England manager Gareth Southgate has ruled Harry Kane out of the Three Lions’ friendly against Brazil on Saturday through injury.
Kane suffered an ankle injury during Bayern Munich’s 5-2 win over Darmstadt before the international break, colliding with the post late on and limping off the pitch.
He linked up with the England team this week but Southgate has now confirmed that Kane faces a battle to play at all, with his ankle issue likely to keep him out of next week’s friendly against Belgium as well.
“No Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson or Cole Palmer tomorrow,” Southgate revealed. “I would say Cole and Hendo have a better chance of Belgium than Harry. He’d be extremely doubtful.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for other players. We need to see them ahead of the Euros. From our perspective it’s a great exercise and opportunity.”
Southgate has a tough decision to make / Michael Regan/GettyImages
In Kane’s absence, England’s striking duties will be left to Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Brentford’s Ivan Toney, at least one of whom will be afforded a rare start against Brazil on Saturday.
“That’s a decision we’ll have to make,” Southgate said of his next starter. “Number nine is a specialist position. They have different attributes. It will depend on injuries in other positions and players who can play in more than one role.
“Both are aware the opportunity is a big one. They both are in good form and have had time with us. Ollie has done well. Ivan has had the impact we expected him to.”
Despite the major injury blow and the fact the game is only a friendly, Southgate urged England to make a real statement against the South American giants.
“There are lots of matches against big opponents we don’t have outstanding records against – but this team, we have managed to beat,” Southgate said.
“It’s another chance for us to put a marker down. We’ll be tested in every aspect of our game.”
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