Kane able to face USA, say England

Harry Kane trained yesterday and England are optimistic the striker will be fit for tomorrow’s World Cup clash against the United States.

Gareth Southgate’s men enjoyed the Three Lions’ best start to a major tournament, thrashing Iran 6-2 as their quest for Qatar glory began in style on Monday.

Kane provided two assists and played 75 minutes of the Group B opener, having seemingly escaped injury despite going down gripping his right foot in pain early in the second half.

Southgate downplayed the issue but the 29-yearold left the Khalifa International Stadium with a slight limp and his right ankle lightly strapped following a poor challenge by Morteza Pouraliganji.

Kane was due for a scan on his right ankle ahead of the US game and it seems the striker has avoided injury as he trained with the group yesterday. The official England Twitter account shared a photo of the striker in training accompanied by the caption “skipper” and a fist emoji.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford moved to calm fears about the skipper’s availability.

“I think he is good, probably just a little bit sore,” the Three Lions goalkeeper said at their Al Wakrah Sports Complex base.

“I’m sure he is fine, he was out on the grass with us today which is good. He is our captain.

“Everyone will take their chance. When Harry went off, Callum (Wilson) came on and got an assist.

“Everyone is training very hard. Obviously Harry is an unbelievable player, he’s the leader and the captain.”

Harry Maguire also seems fine to face the US having come off against Iran feeling unwell.

The defender was also involved in England training yesterday. Callum Wilson was not but is not believed to be a fitness doubt, while James Maddison was again absent as he recovers from a knee complaint that ruled him out against Iran.

Meanwhile Walker Zimmerman says the United States revel in the role of underdogs as the defender looks forward to testing himself against Kane.

Zimmerman’s challenge gifted Gareth Bale the penalty he converted in their Group B opener against Wales – and the US centre-back is now preparing to face Kane, who appears to have avoided a serious ankle injury.

“I always enjoy playing matches where you’re lined up with someone who’s supposed to be world class,” he said.

“That’s a great measuring stick for myself as an individual. It’s a great challenge for the team.

“I think it’s going to be physical for sure. You know, it’s two big guys going at it.

“Two ultra competitive personalities that are not going to back down from each other.

Zimmerman – a two-time Major League Soccer defender of the year – is among the more experienced players in a callow American squad, with Deandre Yedlin the only member to have previously appeared at a World Cup.

Nashville centre-back Zimmerman believes that could work in their favour, plus the US have a history of tripping up England on the world stage.

The Three Lions were held to a 1-1 draw in South Africa in 2010 and back in 1950 the amateur Americans stunned them 1-0 in Brazil – arguably England’s most embarrassing loss.

“We can look on those moments and I think Americans really thrive on being the underdogs,” Zimmerman added.

PAIN: Harry Kane was fouled by Morteza Pouraliganji of Iran in the first game, but should be fit to face the USA.