Harry Kane takes part in Bayern Munich training after early England exit

By Devesh Jaganath | 25 March 2024

Kane takes part in Bayern training after early England exit

England captain Harry Kane has returned to light training with Bayern Munich after being released from the national squad ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Belgium.

The 30-year-old has been grappling with an ankle injury recently, resulting in his absence in England's 1-0 loss to Brazil on Saturday.

Gareth Southgate mentioned post-match that Kane would resume training with Bayern after acknowledging his captain's "extremely doubtful" status for the team's upcoming friendly against Belgium.

Kane was pictured participating in Bayern Munich training on Monday, with the club confirming his involvement in an individual training session.

The club statement read: "Harry Kane completed an individual training session at FC Bayern's training ground on Monday morning.

Bayern Munich's Harry Kane reacts after a missed chance on March 1, 2024 © Reuters

"The 30-year-old striker worked with the ball on the pitch at Sabener Strasse alongside fitness coach Holger Broich."

The striker sustained the injury while playing for the Bavarians earlier this month following a collision with a goalpost during the team's victory over SV Darmstadt 98.

While the England captain's injury has ruled him out from the national side this week, he has not missed a league game for Bayern this season and has already scored 31 goals in 26 Bundesliga matches.

Kane will be hoping to recover in time for Bayern's upcoming match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

England are scheduled to face Belgium at Wembley on Tuesday in their next friendly match as part of their preparations for Euro 2024, with either Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney likely to deputise in Kane's absence.

England's Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring their first goal on October 13, 2023 © Reuters

Watkins featured for the entire duration of the match against Brazil on Saturday, although he had only one notable opportunity in the first half, which he unfortunately fired over from close range.

Therefore, Toney is being tipped to get the nod this week, although he has not played for England since making his debut against Ukraine in 2023.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford and Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon are also capable of playing in the centre-forward role.

The match against Belgium is one of three friendlies scheduled before Southgate submits his final squad for Euro 2024 on June 8.

The Three Lions will also play against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland before the deadline.