Gareth Southgate hits out at Harry Kane tackle but England captain fit to face USA

Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Harry Kane is fit to play against USA in the World Cup clash at Al Bayt on Friday after a scan on his foot.

The England captain picked up the knock in the victory over Iran on Monday and had it looked at as a precaution.

“He's good, he's worked a bit more individually but he'll be back in with the team (today) and good for the game,” said Southgate on ITV.

“We just checked him out just to see. I think sometimes when you're treating things it is important to know exactly what is there and that was all good.

“It was a poor challenge really but I think  it's one that fortunately we've got away with  reasonable lightly.” When asked if he was holding his breath about Kane, Southgate said: “I was when he went down on the pitch but once he went on playing everything was good.”

Kane has injured his ankle previously, so being able to carry on at the Khalifa International Stadium after a heavy challenge was seen as positive news, as the Tottenham striker would have known if the problem was serious.

The following day only the players who did not start against Iran were training on the grass at England’s base at Al Wakrah Sports Complex, with Kane and his other starting team-mates doing work indoors.

It will be a huge relief for Southgate to have Kane back training with his team-mates, with the knockout stages in sight with victory against the USA. Other injury concerns were James Maddison, who has been unable to train with the team in Qatar.

Telegraph Sport reported earlier this week that a switch to a three-man defence could still be on the agenda later in the tournament, despite England's free-flowing display against Iran with a back four.