KEY POINTS

  • England defeated Iran 6-2 in their World Cup opener
  • Harry Kane assisted 2 goals against Iran
  • England's next game is against USMNT on Friday

England are reportedly facing an injury concern as they wait to find out the extent of their skipper Harry Kane's injury.

Kane needs a scan on an ankle before England's FIFA World Cup 2022 fixture against United States Men's National Team (USMNT) on Friday, The Guardian reported.

The Tottenham Hotspur star got an injury on his right ankle during England's 6-2 victory over Iran in their World Cup 2022 opener earlier this week. Iran's Morteza Pouraliganji produced a poor tackle on Kane, who eventually was subbed off in the second half and was replaced by Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson. After the game, the English captain was spotted with an ankle strap.

England head coach Gareth Southgate will now hope that Kane, who set up two goals in their 6-2 win against Iran, sustained no serious damage to his ankle. Kane was, however, able to take part in a recovery session Tuesday. But the overlook of losing his main striker for any period of time is a frightening scenario for Southgate, especially in a big tournament like the World Cup.

Moreover, Kane has had a long history of ankle injuries. The English striker was ruled out on five separate occasions, having missed 20 games for Spurs due to problems with his ankles.

England would want to capitalize on Kane's form in the ongoing season. He entered the World Cup on the back of scoring 13 goals and three assists in 22 games for Spurs across all competitions.

Overall for the Three Lions, Kane has so far scored 51 goals in 76 competitive matches.

Meanwhile, it is understood that Harry Maguire will be available to play against USMNT. The Manchester United captain was substituted in the second half against Iran after complaining of feeling unwell. But midfielder James Madison's knee issue kept him out of training Tuesday.

Harry Kane (left) completed England's comeback from 2-0 down to 3-2 up
AFP

Earlier, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham set records with their goals on World Cup debut. At the age of just 19 years and 145 days, Bellingham became England's second-youngest World Cup goalscorer behind Michael Owen following his strike against Romania in 1998.

On the other hand, Arsenal's in-form Saka, who netted a brace in England's 6-2 triumph, was the third youngest World Cup scorer at the age of 21 years and 77 days.

Soccer