ENGLAND captain Harry Kane is “really, really, tired” just 10 days before the World Cup starts.
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte’s shock admission will be a major concern for Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate just hours before he names his 26-man squad.
And he’ll be worried further by the news Kane even struggled in a light training session the day before.
The striker was subbed after just 59 minutes as Tottenham lost 2-0 to ten-man Nottingham Forest – one of five London Prem clubs KO’d in last night’s Carabao Cup.
Asked why the 29-year-old was taken off, Conte confessed: “It was a problem of tiredness.
“Really, really tired and yesterday we had a soft training session and at one point he stopped to recover energy.
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“It was difficult for Kane today.
“When you have a player like him it’s difficult to decide you don’t play with him.
“It’s only fatigue, but it’s normal because Harry has played every game.”
Kane has played a staggering 22 matches already this season and an eye-watering 12 since October 1.
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Conte added: “Other players maybe they could tell me I’m tired and don’t want to play and help the team.
“I have a group of players who are before players they are men, and because of this another could be selfish and think for himself because in one week they have to play the World Cup.
“Instead, Kane showed to be a really good man and it’s the same for Hojberg, Bentancur, Perisic and Dier who have also played a lot of games.”
Fans reacted with shock when the team news revealed England’s talisman was starting against Forest in a competition normally used by top sides to blood the youngsters.
And his surprise inclusion did not prevent Spurs joining Chelsea, Arsenal, West Ham and Crystal Palace in a night of capital punishment.
It leaves League One Charlton as the only London club left.
Southgate will name his squad at 2pm today with Chelsea right-back Reece James already receiving the devastating news he will not be selected.
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The Three Lions gaffer faces tough decisions on fellow injured stars Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips.
Meanwhile England’s Group B opponents Wales were one of the teams to announce their squad last night – with boss Rob Page admitting star man Gareth Bale may not feature in every game.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
