England boss Southgate to check on Kane fitness

Importer

November 7, 2016 12:15 PM

With Spurs right-back Kyle Walker nursing a knock and Arsenal winger Theo Walcott's wife due to give birth to their second child, Southgate has named an enlarged 25-man squad in case of withdrawals.

Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Harry Kane (left) celebrates scoring against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London on November 6, 2016

England's interim manager Gareth Southgate will check on the fitness of Harry Kane before deciding if the striker can start Friday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland, he said on Monday.

Kane, 23, made a goal-scoring return from a seven-week lay-off with ankle ligament damage in Tottenham Hotspur's 1-1 Premier League draw at Arsenal on Sunday.

"I think the first thing we have to do with Harry is check how he is after yesterday," Southgate told reporters at England's St George's Park base in Burton-on-Trent.

"I think Spurs, maybe with Dele (Alli) missing as well, took a decision for what was a very big game for them.

"Of course we have a big game ourselves and will have to see what level he's at when he reports.

"But it was great to see him back and scoring and with a smile on his face at the end of the game."

Midfielder Alli will miss England's game against Scotland at Wembley, and next week's friendly with Spain, after twisting his knee in training.

His absence opened the door for Southgate to recall Jack Wilshere, who has returned to form and fitness since joining Bournemouth on loan from Arsenal.

However, Southgate was forced to call up Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and West Ham fullback Aaron Cresswell later on Monday.

Pickford, who has been a rare bright light for struggling Sunderland this season, replaces Fraser Forster, whilst Cresswell gets a first-call up even though he is not a direct replacement positionally for Leicester midfielder Danny Drinkwater.

England are top of UEFA qualifying Group F after three games, three points above fourth-place Scotland.

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