England fans will be sweating on the fitness of Harry Kane ahead of the World Cup quarter-finals.
Harry Kane has undoubtedly been England’s star this World Cup. At the time of writing, no player in the tournament has scored more goals than the Tottenham striker.
He has found the net six times in Russia. Twice in the 2-1 win against Tunisia, a hat-trick against Panama and, of course, he got the Three Lions’ only goal in their penalty shoot-out win over Colombia in the round of 16. To say that Kane has been pivotal to his country’s success at the tournament would be an understatement. This is why the injury updates following the Colombia win will be very concerning for England supporters.
Their star man is a doubt for the Sweden game on Saturday.
Kane was seen holding his back in pain during Tuesday’s game. According to Sky Sports reporter Anton Toloui, he is among England’s injury concerns for being ‘bruised’ and ‘aching’. While this won’t be enough to keep him out of the Sweden clash, it will be interesting to keep an eye on how this wear and tear will affect his longevity in the competition.
Interestingly, Kane’s backup Jamie Vardy is a genuine doubt for the quarter-finals. The Leicester City man is struggling with a groin injury he suffered against the South Americans. The knock meant that Eric Dier stepped up to take a spot kick in his place.
England fans will also be keeping a close eye on the fitness of Delle Alli (thigh), Ashley Young (ankle) and Kyle Walker (cramp). Alli’s knock is the same one that kept him from playing any part in the Belgium and Panama games.
Injury situation for England is as follows:
VARDY – groin (doubt for Sweden game)
ALLI – thigh
YOUNG – ankle
WALKER – cramp/muscle spasms calf
KANE – bruised and aching pic.twitter.com/7qmkJax0re— Anton Toloui (@SkyAnton) July 4, 2018
