As featured on NewsNow: Football news

Tottenham boss Conte assures England over Kane fitness

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte insists England can have no concerns about Harry Kane's fitness.

Kane has started all 21 Tottenham games this season and no top flight player has played more minutes in all competitions than the England captain.

"The fans must not be worried for him," Conte said. "After this [Leeds] game there is one week, eight days to prepare for the World Cup. It is very difficult. He is working very well. Also we are talking about a player with great experience to manage his body.

"I think Harry is going to play a fantastic World Cup because in this season he was never injured, he has been able to train well, he is good physically and for sure to play many games in such a short period is difficult – but not only for Harry. Eric Dier is another player going with the [England] national team.

"To play 13 games in 43 days mentally you could be a bit tired. But top players have to be good to manage these situations. You make the difference by managing these situations in the right way.

"When you are a top player it is very difficult for the manager to put them on the bench. You need your top players to play. There is a big risk for all the national teams. All the players have played a lot. Then the games with the clubs finish and the World Cup starts.

"The coach of the national teams have to be very good to manage the situation. Until now, we have managed the situation, and believe me, it was really, really difficult."

Video of the day:

About the author

Paul Vegas

×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

  1. Go Ad-Free
  2. Faster site experience
  3. Support great writing
  4. Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free
×

Subscribe and go ad-free

For only $10 a year

Subscribe now
Launch Offer: 2 months free