Martin Keown would start Marcus Rashford up front should Harry Kane miss England’s second World Cup game against the United States. An ankle concern forced the Three Lions’ captain off in the 7th minute of their 6-2 thrashing of Iran.
Supporters across the country were holding their breath as reports emerged that he would undergo a scan ahead of the clash with the USA. However, Gareth Southgate and several members of the England squad revealed Kane “is fine” and should skipper the side tonight.
An injury to the 29-year-old would be catastrophic for England but would open the window of opportunity for Callum Wilson. Newcastle United’s number nine ended his three-year exile from international football against Iran and unselfishly set up Jack Grealish for the sixth goal in the dying embers.
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As the only other out-and-out striker in the squad, Wilson would appear the logical choice to replace Kane should Southgate choose not to take a risk. Manchester United star Rashford - who came off the bench to score on Monday - operates predominantly from out wide.
Despite this, former Arsenal defender Keown has backed the 25-year-old to start instead of Wilson. He wrote in his BBC column: “I'm really pleased Harry Kane has been declared fit for England to face the United States but we have to look after him - and Gareth Southgate could still turn to Marcus Rashford to lead the line if he does not want to risk his captain.
“Kane has been able to train after suffering an ankle injury in our 6-2 win over Iran, and a scan showed there is no serious damage. But it was a reminder we must think about who would replace him in Qatar if needed - and I am happy with our options.
“The most obvious Plan B is to put Newcastle striker Callum Wilson up front because he plays down the middle for his club and he can play at least part of the provider role that Kane does so well. I was so pleased with Wilson's decision to pass to Jack Grealish for our final goal on Monday rather than have a shot himself, and that is the kind of collective thinking that Southgate will love.
“I still think Rashford will get the nod if Kane is rested on Friday, however. From what we know about Southgate's managerial style, there is a pecking order in his squad based on players he trusts. With what Rashford has done for England in the past, and the goals he has scored, he is probably ahead of Wilson, who has only just returned to the squad after a three-year absence.”
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