Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has only just returned from injury, and Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes he is not quite ready for England.
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas believes that England manager Gareth Southgate should opt for Marcus Rashford ahead of Harry Kane against Scotland on Friday, highlighting the Spurs striker’s rustiness as a reason why he should not start at Wembley, when writing a column for Sky Sports.
The Three Lions head into Friday’s hugely important World Cup qualifier with plenty of options in forward areas, although, Theo Walcott aside, none of Southgate’s chosen striking options head into the match with any kind of form under their belts.
England’s interim manager Gareth Southgate and Marcus Rashford during training
Nicholas, who earned 20 caps for Scotland, explained how Rashford’s pace could cause his country more problems than the less mobile Kane, when writing his column for Sky Sports:
“Then in attack I’d pick Marcus Rashford. Fair play to Harry Kane for putting that penalty away but he looked rusty against Arsenal and I think Rashford would cause more problems with the lack of pace in Scotland’s defence.”
England’s Harry Kane during the press conference
Rashford himself has hardly been in sparkling for for United, scoring just four goals in 14 outings so far this season, so it remains unclear as to who the England boss will actually pick come Friday.
The Three Lions are heavily favourited for the clash at Wembley, and will likely be on the front foot for most of the game, with the majority of the possession of the ball.
With this in mind, and contrary to Nicholas’ belief, it may not be the worst of game’s to ease Kane back into gently.
England’s Harry Kane
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