GARETH SOUTHGATE has provided a concerning update on Harry Kane’s fitness.
The England skipper got on the scoresheet as the Three Lions were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Kane was subbed off and replaced by Ollie Watkins after 69 minutes as England struggled to create chances in the game.
The move was part of a bold triple change made by Southgate as he was also hooked Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka for Eberechi Eze and Jarrod Bowen.
Explaining the substitutions, Southgate said: “We just felt the whole front line put a lot of work into the game the other day [versus Serbia].
“He’s only had one 90 minutes in the last five or six weeks – so the other night took a lot out of him.
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“We could’ve stayed with it – but we thought to get speed in the front line and to get energy to be able to press was important.
“That was the decision we took with all of the substitutes, basically.”
There was concern over Kane’s fitness prior to the tournament as he missed the end of the season with Bayern Munich due to a back problem.
It led to him missing the final two Bundesliga games of the campaign in May.
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To help him recover in time for the Euros, he worked with Dr Alejandro Elorriaga Claraco, who also helped cure his long-standing ankle problems.
Ex-Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel admitted last month: “Harry is receiving treatment from his personal doctor. He cannot travel. He was already at the limit in Madrid. It was a borderline decision for him to play.
“He had a complete blockade in his back, it’s got worse and bothers him in everyday movements. There was no chance for him to participate in the game.”
Southgate will be desperate for Kane to be fit as England face Slovenia on Tuesday.
Avoiding defeat will see them qualify for the knockout rounds.
ENGLAND vs DENMARK RATINGS
ENGLAND stumbled to a drab 1-1 draw with Denmark.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated the Three Lions team.
Jordan Pickford: 6
Looked a little jittery early doors, though there was nothing he could do about Morten Hjulmand’s corker and he made a decent parry after the break.
Kyle Walker: 7
Made England’s opener by racing round a sleeping Victor Kristiansen – he’ll be having nightmares of that forevermore – and teeing up Kane via a deflected cross.
John Stones: 6
OK but you have got to wonder how fit he feels having barely played for Man City in the second half of the season, plus his injury and illness issues over the last month.
Marc Guehi: 8 and my star man
Really encouraging again from the Crystal Palace centre-back, looking sharp with his interceptions and assured in distribution.
Kieran Trippier: 6
Like Stones, he was fine, but England really need Luke Shaw back ASAP because having no natural left-footer at left-back is a problem.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: 5
This experiment of playing Trent in midfield is far from convincing, especially when his passing was off it like it was here, barring one good ball to Saka. Subbed on 54 minutes.
Declan Rice: 5
Had to cover so much ground as England dropped worryingly deep in the first half and also lost it a few times in front of his back four.
Bukayo Saka: 7
Not quite as electric as his first half against Serbia, but another solid showing from our right winger who has been our most consistent attacker across the two games.
Jude Bellingham: 6
Nowhere near the majestic display he put in against Serbia and one of many who looked tired.
Phil Foden: 7
Was far more involved than against Serbia – although that was not hard – and had a few dangerous efforts from range, including one that smacked the post after the break.
Harry Kane: 6
Netted his 64th goal for his country with an opener he could not really miss, but then gave the ball away from Denmark’s leveller. Surprisingly subbed.
SUBS:
Conor Gallagher (on for Trent, 54): 7
Vital clearance on the stretch when Christian Eriksen was lurking and was not afraid to put his foot in.
Ollie Watkins (on for Kane, 70): 6
Played in by Bellingham’s lovely ball after coming on but could not finish from an acute angle.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Foden, 69): 6
Copped a nasty tackle which saw Joakim Maehle booked.
Eberechi Eze (on for Saka, 69): 6
On for his tournament bow though he was rarely involved.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
