Kane gives England a World Cup boost
Tottenham striker likely to be back next month Wilshere set for recall to friendlies squad today
England manager Gareth Southgate has received a World Cup boost after Tottenham Hotspur confirmed Harry Kane is expected to return from his ankle injury next month.
Kane damaged lateral ligaments in his right ankle during Sunday’s 4-1 victory at Bournemouth, but both the striker and Spurs claimed he will be fit again in April – two months before the World Cup kicks off in Russia. 2006
Another metatarsal victim, this time six weeks before England’s first game. Rooney recovered but did not make the expected impact in Germany
The 24-year-old has not put a specific date on his return, but is understood to have privately not ruled out making himself available for Tottenham’s trip to Chelsea on Easter Sunday, April 1.
That would require a quicker recovery than Tottenham have estimated, with some sources making a four-week absence more likely, but Kane has pledged to do everything in his power to return early.
In a message posted on Twitter, he wrote: “Disappointing to be out until next month, but injuries are part of the game. Will do everything I can to get back out there asap.”
Kane will certainly miss the FA Cup trip to Swansea City on Saturday and England’s friendlies against Holland and Italy on March 23 and 27 respectively, for which Southgate will name his squad today.
But the England manager will be relieved that Kane should have a full month of Premier League action to build up his match fitness, following his absence, ahead of the World Cup. More immediately, Southgate is expected to recall Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere to the squad.
The Arsenal midfielder has not featured since England’s embarrassing Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland but has won back his place at club level under Arsene Wenger.
Although the 26-year-old’s future at Arsenal remains unclear, with his contract expiring at the end of the season, Wenger has admitted there were “positive vibes” over a potential call-up for Wilshere ahead of their Europa League second leg tie against AC Milan today.
He said: I wish he is in the England squad. I believe he has a good chance to be in there but we have to leave that to Gareth Southgate. I have enough to do with my job.”
Wilshere has 34 caps but has not played since the Iceland defeat in Nice after a period ravaged by injuries and a lack of game-time.
He could be playing for a new club next season after recently revealing talks over a new deal at Arsenal have stalled. Arsenal want him to sign a contract worth over £75,000 a week but Wenger has admitted there is a chance he could leave.
Southgate, meanwhile, is also considering Burnley’s James Tarkowski for his first international call-up.
Southgate has watched the 25-year-old former Brentford defender on numerous occasions this season and could include Tarkowski in the England squad which is starting to take shape ahead of the World Cup finals. 1986
A walking medical disaster area ahead of tournaments. Dislocated a shoulder in a warm-up. Went to the finals but aggravated the injury in the second game with Morocco