Poch can’t stop call-up for Kane
MAURICIO Pochettino will not stand in Gareth Southgate’s way if he wants Harry Kane for next week’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
Tottenham striker Kane is nearing his return from an ankle injury that has sidelined him for almost two months. However, the 23-yearold will not be available for tonight’s Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen at Wembley.
That leaves Kane with Sunday’s north London derby against rivals Arsenal to prove his fitness for England’s clash against Gordon Strachan’s men on Friday week.
Sportsmail revealed yesterday how Southgate is giving Kane as long as possible to prove he is fit enough to be included in the squad, which will be named on Sunday.
Indeed, Southgate wants to start Kane as his lone striker against Scotland — a game that will be pivotal in whether England’s caretaker boss lands the job on a permanent basis.
Provided Kane is included in the match-day squad to face Arsenal, Tottenham boss Pochettino says the decision is up to Southgate.
‘If he is available then it will be difficult for us to stop him if the national team call,’ he said.
‘It is up to the manager of the national team to select him or not. We cannot stop that. If Harry is available then it is if Gareth wants to select him.’
Asked whether Kane would be available at the Emirates, the Argentine added: ‘Maybe. He made half the training session with the team on Tuesday. We expect him to complete a full session on maybe Thursday.’
It would be natural for Pochettino to be apprehensive about Kane joining up with England, given his fitness issues.
Kane has established a reputation as one of Europe’s most formidable centre forwards under Pochettino and Tottenham have struggled for goals in his absence.
The Spurs boss could choose not to pick Kane for the clash against Arsenal regardless of whether he is fit. Pochettino, though, insists he would not use that tactic.
‘No, I wouldn’t not select him just to keep him here. We are pro-national team always for all the players. If Harry is available we are not stupid to say no to try to protect him so that after two weeks he can be with us. We want the best for the team and for the player. It’s true that maybe it makes more sense for the national team to say. “OK, stay at home. Stay with Tottenham and train for two weeks”. But, if they consider that they need Harry and he is available to play against Arsenal then we cannot stop them.’
Pochettino, however, says he will ask Southgate to be cautious with Kane if he is selected. ‘We can only advise,’ he said. ‘It’s not in our hands to manage the national team. Harry loves football and he wants to compete every time he’s given the chance to play. If Southgate calls and asks me, I will give my advice but it’s his job to recognise every single situation about the player, not only with Harry but with the whole squad.
‘He must decide if it would be good for Harry to be involved with the national team or not.
‘Only if he asks me I will give my opinion.’
Toby Alderweireld, who has also missed the last four matches with a leg injury, is not ready to return tonight as Pochettino admitted there have been some ‘slight problems’ with his rehabilitation.
A victory would put Tottenham in a strong position in Group E.
Erik Lamela has recovered from the illness that kept him out of Saturday’s Premier League draw against Leicester but is doubtful because of a hip problem.