Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Harry Kane is fit to feature for England against the USA after undergoing a scan on an ankle issues.
Kane suffered the problem during England’s 6-2 win over Iran on Monday, but scans have returned a positive update and the Three Lions’ captain will available for Friday’s clash with the United States.
The 29-year-old did not score during the win over Iran, but is just two goals from Wayne Rooney’s all-time record for the national side and will be looking to help England book their place in the World Cup’s last 16.
“Harry is fine, Southgate told BBC Sport.
“He has worked slightly separately from the group but all good for Friday night. He had a scan [on Wednesday] to make sure everything is fine.”
Southgate also provided an update on Harry Maguire, who was substituted during the win over Iran after complaining of feeling unwell. There were fears the Manchester United defender had sustained a concussion, but Southgate confirmed Maguire is in contention to face the USA.
“He was feeling ill and that was affecting his vision,” Southgate said. “You worry about concussion in that instant, but we were going back through all the footage and there is nothing, so he is in a good area.”
England can confirm their place in the knockout rounds with a win on Friday evening and Southgate has underlined his desire for the Three Lions to secure progress ‘as soon as possible’. He is, however, expecting a difficult challenge against the United States.
“We would like to get qualification done as soon as possible,” he said.
“The first objective is to get out of the group. We would love to do that on Friday, but the game won’t be anything like Monday.
“We have to make sure we are back to the psychological place we were at the start because the States will be an athletic team, press really well, be organised, well coached.
“They have quite a few players we know from the Premier League and they showed in the first half against Wales the best side of themselves. Monday was a great start and it is that reset to be ready for Friday.”
