England are optimistic on Harry Kane's fitness ahead of the World Cup showdown with United States on Friday.
Tottenham striker Kane went for a scan yesterday on an ankle injury suffered against Iran to give England a major fitness scare. But it is understood that it was more of a precaution and Kane - despite a history of ankle problems - is confident he will be fit.
The 29-year-old went down gripping his right foot in pain after being caught by a poor Morteza Pouraliganji challenge shortly after half-time in Monday’s 6-2 Group B win against Iran. Kane played on until the 75th minute but was seen leaving England’s World Cup with a slight limp and his right ankle lightly strapped.
England stopper Jordan Pickford revealed that Kane had trained with his teammates on Wednesday.
“I think he is good, probably just a little bit sore,” the Three Lions goalkeeper said. “I’m sure he is fine, he was out on the grass with us today which is good. He is our captain.”
The development is a boost for England, whose manager Gareth Southgate had downplayed concerns over the issue immediately after the Iran game.
“I think Harry’s fine,” the manager said of the 2018 Golden Boot winner. “I mean, it obviously looked a bad tackle but he carried on in the game and we took him off, really, because we felt it was a moment we could do that.”
England will look to build on their impressive opening win and book their place in the last 16 on Friday.
Pickford said: “It was a great game, six goals first game. If you look at the previous record of Iran they are hard to beat, hard to break down and we were very clinical. Six goals and I think we had 12 shots. The lads were outstanding.”
Southgate was irritated by the two goals England conceded when he spoke to the media post-game, and that's something Pickford also insists has annoyed not only himself, but the entire side.
“I think as a whole squad we want clean sheets, we know how important they are in tournament football,” added the Everton 'keeper. “We were 4-0 up and conceded an easy goal. Then they got a penalty, a bit of a different one really.
“To concede you are never going to be happy. We’ll build on to USA and hopefully get a clean sheet there.”
