Harry Kane is likely to miss England’s friendly games against Brazil and Belgium through injury.
The England skipper was on target again for Bayern Munich last Saturday against Darmstadt but was forced off late on after colliding with the post and injuring his ankle.
The former Tottenham star trained away from his Three Lions teammates this week and was expected to miss out when England take on Brazil in the capital on Saturday night.
Gareth Southgate has how revealed he is also likely to miss the game against Belgium on Tuesday.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer and Ajax’s Jordan Henderson also trained individually and will also miss out against the five-time World Cup winners.
‘Tomorrow no Harry Kane, no Jordan Henderson, no Cole Palmer,’ Southgate told a press conference on Friday.
‘I would say Cole and Hendo have a better chance of Belgium than Harry. He would be extremely doubtful for that.’
Southgate added: ‘It means it’s a brilliant opportunity for other players. We need to see other players ahead of the Euros. If we were playing lesser teams you’d still have that question in your mind if they played well, ‘OK, how are they going to be against the next level of opposition?’
‘So from our perspective it’s a great exercise and opportunity.’
Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins will be battling for a starting berth tomorrow night in Kane’s absence. While Southgate suggested both could make his Euro 2024 squad along with Kane, he admitted he and his staff could have a big decision to make on who makes the cut.
‘That is a decision we’ll have to make,’ he said. ‘Clearly a No9 is a specialist position and they have different attributes.
‘That will depend a little on injury statuses in other positions in the squad and also having players that can play in more than one role.
‘Both are aware the opportunity is a big one but they’re both in good form, both have had time with us.
‘Ollie has done well in the games he’s played and had a fabulous season for his club. Ivan, since he’s come back into the Brentford team has had the impact we expected him to. They’re two very good players.’
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