GARETH SOUTHGATE reckons Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford ARE both on course to make the Euros.
But the Three Lions chief warned they must prove their fitness — and has not ruled out an SOS call to Jamie Vardy.
Crocked frontmen Rashford and Kane hope to be back playing in the Premier League this season – and be available for Euro 2020Credit: PA:Press Association
England boss Gareth Southgate has declined to rule out an emergency call-up for Leicester striker Jamie VardyCredit: Alamy Live News
Tottenham talisman Kane ruptured his hamstring on New Year’s Day, while Manchester United’s Rashford has a stress fracture of the back.
But speaking for the first time this year, Southgate revealed: “We’ve had really good updates and they are exactly where we were expecting them to be.
Both players will give themselves the best possible chance of being available. That’s their mentality and dedication.
“So they are both on track — but what we can’t guarantee is how that rehab will develop as it is stepped up.”
Southgate was speaking after the Nations League draw, which pitted England with Euro 2016 nemesis Iceland plus World Cup rivals Belgium and Denmark.
Their Euro 2020 opener is against Croatia at Wembley on June 14.
And Southgate added: “You are obviously in a better situation if your players are playing.
“We have been pretty clear with what this landscape is likely to look like, we just have to make good decisions closer to the time.
“In terms of their ability to play before the end of the season, the first thought has to be how do they help their clubs.
“They will want to help their clubs have strong finishes to the season, then we’ll pick them up from there.”
Southampton frontman Danny Ings, 27, and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 22, are contenders to feature in friendlies with Italy on March 27 and Denmark on March 31.
But Southgate declined to rule out a summer call to veteran Leicester star Vardy, 33, who quit international football after the 2018 World Cup.
The England chief added: “We’ve only got 70 players playing so why rule anybody out? I’ve always said that door has never been closed.”
England draw Euro 2016 tormentors Iceland, Belgium and Denmark in Nations League group
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
