Southgate hopeful on Kane’s fitness as England draw Belgium in Nations League

Coach Gareth Southgate is concerned about his striker duo of Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford going into Euro 2020 amid coronavirus fears rather than thinking about next years challenge that hiss team face against Belgium at not UEFA Nations League (NL).

England, who finished third last year in the inaugural version of the competition, were drawn alongside Belgium, Denmark and Iceland in Group A. The matches will be played from September to November, with the four-team finals set for June 2021.

 “We enjoyed the competition last time, and the quality of the fixtures again shows how exciting this could be,” Southgate said after Tuesday’s draw ceremony in Amsterdam.

England’s recent record against Belgium is not quite impressive. They faced Belgium twice in the 2018ld Cup and were beaten on both the occasions.

They are also due to host Denmark at Wembley in a friendly on March 31. However, there are currently worries that game — and the scheduled March 27 clash with Italy — might be postponed or played behind closed doors if required to contain the coronavirus outbreak which has already caused the postponement of numerous sporting events worldwide.

 “We don’t need to speculate at the moment,” Southgate said. “I think we have to be adaptable and have to make sure that we are prepared for every eventuality, but as we stand we are trying not to get too worried by all the hype, make sensible decisions on hygiene and go from there.”

 England cruised through qualifying for Euro 2020, in which they will play group games at Wembley and would also be at home in the semi-finals and final should they get there.  However, loss of form to certain squad members — not least the struggles of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford — and injuries to Kane and Rashford are problems.

 It was feared Tottenham Hotspur striker Kane would not play again this season after having hamstring surgery in January, while Manchester United’s Rashford is out with a back injury.

 “All I know is that both players have given themselves the best possible chance of being fit and available not only for us but for the end of the season for their clubs,” said Southgate.

Agencies