GET HARRY FIT
Calf fear but medical team insist he’ll play
ENGLAND are pulling out all the stops to keep captain Harry Kane fit for the remainder of their World Cup bid after concerns he had a calf problem following Tuesday’s last-16 win against Colombia.
Kane was assessed by medical staff at the team hotel in Repino yesterday who are confident the issue was no more than cramp.
The skipper, the World Cup’s leading marksman with six goals, is almost certain to be fit to face Sweden in Saturday’s quarter-final in Samara and will have regular ice baths and massages to help prepare him.
HARRY KAnE should be fit for saturday’ s quarter final against sweden despite a fitness scare in the aftermath of Tuesday’s euphoric win over Colombia.
The England captain was assessed by medical staff at the team hotel in Repino yesterday after feeling calf discomfort during the final stages of extra time in Moscow.
But England are very confident the issue was cramp following an energy- sapping evening and believe Kane (below) will be available in samara.
Gareth southgate said: ‘ You never know with cramp whether it’s cramp or something a little bit more. We will judge that.’
however, there are bigger concerns over the fitness of Jamie Vardy, who suffered a groin injury against Colombia.
The leicester striker required an injection immediately after the win to help clear up the problem but may not be fit for saturday.
Ashley Young was another player who was assessed and required treatment yesterday. The Manchester United wingback, who had a noticeable limp as he walked away from the stadium, was substituted in extra time after taking a heavy blow to his ankle.
Young also took a hefty kick to his thigh and he will be examined again before training today. England hope he will be available, but have Danny Rose in reserve as a ready-made replacement if needed. Kyle Walker limped off with cramp on Tuesday night but will be fit, as will Dele Alli, who felt no ill- effects from the thigh injury that ruled him out of the games against Panama and Belgium. having arrived back in Repino at 6.30am yesterday, the players reported for breakfast at around midday before southgate led a 1pm squad meeting. Fabian Delph will join them in training today after he flew back to Russia following the birth of his third child, a daughter. he will be available to face sweden. he had travelled home to be with his expectant wife natalie last week. Delph, 28, who accompanied his instagram post with a picture of himself on an aeroplane, wrote: ‘i’ve just experienced the most amazing 24 hours. Watching my brothers come through a tough game both mentally and physically, i kicked every ball and felt every bit of emotion with the players, staff and fans.
‘At 07:52, me, my wife and two beautiful daughters welcomed their baby sister into the world.
‘ i can’t put into words the happiness and gratitude i’m feeling... Back to Russia now #TunnelVision.’
his club Manchester City tweeted: ‘Congrats Fab! now go get ’em in the quarter -finals.’
England team- mate Jordan henderson responded: ‘see you soon, bro.’
Meanwhile, sweden have injury concerns over midfielder Albin Ekdal, who missed training and had X-rays on a foot problem.
‘They’ll check him today but he feels positive,’ captain Andreas Granqvist said. ‘We hope there is nothing serious.’
Ekdal fears he aggravated an old injury in the last-16 win over switzerland. ‘it hurts a bit and it’s swollen. it’s too early to say,’ he said after the match. ‘i thought i had broken my old foot injury.’
Team-mate Jimmy Durmaz also missed training with a hip injury.