Southgate banking on Kane

HARRY KANE is set to be named in England’s UEFA Nations League squad tomorrow despite his ankle injury. The Tottenham striker is battling to be fit for the tournament in Portugal — and the Champions League final — as he recovers from a ligament injury sustained against Manchester City five weeks ago. But Gareth Southgate will almost certainly select his first-choice striker in an extended squad. The player’s recovery is on schedule. He is due to train with a ball by the end of the week and it is

hoped he can start sprinting next week. Provided he does not suffer any setbacks in his rehabilitation, Kane (below) is expected to be available for Tottenham’s Champions League final in Madrid on June 1 and England’s Nations League opener against Holland five days later. The news will come as a major boost to Southgate as he plots to lift England’s first trophy since 1966. The England manager had feared he would be without his captain after Kane suffered the injury in a heavy collision with Fabian Delph. England medics have kept in close contact with Tottenham and are pleased with Kane’s progress. Southgate can alter his squad up to 10 days before to the clash with Holland but, provided Kane’s recovery continues to progress smoothly, he will lead the team in the Nations League finals.