World Cup

Harry Kane, Dele Alli 'fitness concerns for quarter-final'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 04 July 2018

Harry Kane and Dele Alli are struggling with a back and thigh injury respectively ahead of England's meeting with Sweden, according to a report.

England boss Gareth Southgate reportedly faces an anxious wait over the fitness of attacking duo Dele Alli and Harry Kane ahead of the World Cup quarter-final clash against Sweden.

Several members of the Three Lions squad complained of minor injuries at the end of their gruelling showdown with Colombia in the quarter-finals, which went the whole way.

England were pegged back 1-1 late on in Moscow, before coming out on top on penalties to set up Saturday's meeting with Sweden for a place in the final four.

Sky Sports News reports that Alli is once again struggling with a thigh injury, which saw him miss his side's last two group games, while Kane has a problem with his back.

Ashley Young and Kyle Walker will also be monitored in the coming days, with Southgate admitting that the match took its toll on his players.

"It's like a scene from MASH in the dressing room," he told reporters. "Some just cramp, and some need just a little bit more assessment, so we'll know more over the next 36 hours.

"I thought there were many, many fouls in the game and I don't think we conceded anywhere near the number of our opponents."

Jamie Vardy reportedly received an injection in the latter stages of the Colombia match to help him through, leaving him as the most doubtful of England's players for next weekend.