Gareth Southgate drops Callum Wilson England selection hint amid Harry Kane concern

Callum Wilson is hoping for a first World Cup start when England face Wales in their final Group B match.
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England boss Gareth Southgate has suggested he is prepared to stick with Harry Kane against Wales - despite calls for the Tottenham Hotspur star to be rested.

The 29-year-old picked up a foot injury in the Three Lions’ 6-2 victory over Iran in their Group B opener but started the goalless draw with the USA on Friday.

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Although there was plenty of frustration surrounding the performance against the States, qualification into the knockout stages is very much in England’s hands.

Indeed, Southgate’s side already have one foot into the last 16. Only a defeat to Wales by a four-goal margin would prevent that.

But England still want to top the group, which has sparked a debate over whether or not Kane, the country’s second all-time top scorer, should be rested.

Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford are both waiting in the wings but Kane could start.

Newcastle United and England striker Callum Wilson. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Newcastle United and England striker Callum Wilson. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Newcastle United and England striker Callum Wilson. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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“We’re going to pick a team that we believe can win the game. That’s our priority, always,” Southgate said.

“He’s fine in terms of the knock he had which even though we keep saying it’s his ankle, it’s his foot. He’s trained well. It’s only Ben White missing with an illness.

“To this point we’ve got pretty much everybody available which is a good position for us to be in. you want a fully fit squad and that’s where we’re at.”

England face Wales in a majoor tournament for the second time in six years having won 2-1 at Euro 2016.

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Rob Page’s side drew with the USA before losing to Iran and must beat their UK neighbours to have a chance of qualifying from the group.

Southgate added: “We want to win football matches. We’ve got to balance freshness with stability. That’s always the decision you’re making when you pick the team.

“We’ve got a chance to win the group with a positive result. There’s a lot for both teams resting on the game. Our performance is the key.

“We’ve played well with the ball in the first game and scored a lot of goals. The second game was tougher. We now want to put both elements together”