FIFA World Cup: Harry Kane is fine, Gareth Southgate says England striker will play against Wales

England coach Gareth Southgate confirmed that striker Harry Kane is “fine” and will play against Wales in the FIFA World Cup Group B match on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old was hit on his ankle in England’s thumping win over Iran 6-2 in their opening match and seemed off the pace in his team’s 0-0 draw with the United States.

However, coach Southgate said that the injury caused issues to Kane’s foot but he will be available for the match against Wales.

“With Harry, obviously we are going to pick a team we believe can win the game,” Southgate said. “That is our priority as always. He is fine in terms of the knock he had. He has trained well.”

England currently lead Group B with four points and only need a draw with Wales to secure qualification for the knockout stages. Southgate’s team could also progress with a defeat, but then it would depend on goal difference.

Meanwhile, Wales need to win to stand a chance of reaching the last-16 stage, but the team would still rely on the result of the group match between the USA and Iran.

England’s goalless draw with the USA did not go down well with its fans, who booed the players at the stadium, and Southgate admitted that his team lacked a little bit of zip and quality against the Americans.

“Yes, we lacked a little bit of zip and quality in the final third and we were not able to open up, to create really good chances,” Southgate said after the match. “But we had to show another side of ourselves.”

“To be a successful team at a tournament, you have to show those different faces and we did that tonight. I am sure there will be a lot of noise about the performance. But not many teams go through World Cups and get nine points in the group.”