Southgate backs Kane to beat injury timeline
ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate plans to speak to injured captain Harry Kane this week and anticipates the England captain will be keen to return to action ahead of schedule.
England play Czech Republic on March 22 and Montenegro on March 25 in their first two Euro 2020 qualifying games. Kane is out with an ankle injury suffered in Tottenham’s defeat to Manchester Uniteds nine days ago.
Southgate, speaking to the Football Writers’ Association, said: “It’s a disappointment for any player to miss matches and Harry especially wants to be available for every game and have the opportunity to score in every game.
“Knowing his mindset there’ll be a calendar on the wall and he’ll be making sure he gets back ahead of where people are predicting he can be back.
“The break won’t do him any harm. He’ll be fresh for it, he’ll be back to form for Tottenham and hopefully before our games in March.”
Southgate also believes the best is yet come as he continues to be linked to the Manchester United job.
The 48-year-old oversaw a remarkable 2018 at the Three Lions helm, with his side reaching the World Cup semi-finals before qualifying for the inaugural Nations League finals this summer.
Southgate’s work on and off the field has led to the former defender reportedly being under consideration to be a permanent replacement for Jose Mourinho as United manager in the summer.
Asked in the wake of such stories whether he feels professionally fulfilled by the England job, Southgate said: “I’m the England manager and it’s a privileged position to be in.
“We’ve had the best year for 28 years and we’ve got a semifinal this summer and a European Championship that’s predominantly at Wembley, providing we take care of business and qualify.
“So, it’s a hugely exciting time with the team. I don’t think we’ve progressed as far as we can yet. I think there’s room for us to grow.
“So, I think there’s a lot of importance in life about enjoying what you’re doing, and I am still a young coach. I’ve managed less than 200 matches, so, for me, it’s an honour to be in the role I’m in and I thoroughly enjoy it.”