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Tottenham Hotspur: Wayne Rooney calls for Harry Kane to be rested

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Image for Tottenham Hotspur: Wayne Rooney calls for Harry Kane to be rested

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has called for Harry Kane to be rested after he struggled with an ankle knock in England’s draw against the United States of America.

Writing in his column in The Times, the former England star also called for Manchester City’s Phil Foden to be given a start, but claimed that Kane suffering with his fitness is affecting the team.

“The other big change I would make for the Wales match would be to rest Harry Kane. Against the USA, he looked like he may have been suffering the effects of a heavy knock he took in the Iran game,” Rooney wrote.

“It was from a tackle in the second half and in that match I felt that Gareth should have considered taking him off at half-time.

“England were leading 3-0, the game was already won and Harry is our most important player. When there are opportunities to protect him and help him stay fit, I believe Gareth should take them — and that is why I would keep Harry on the bench against Wales.”

TIF thoughts on Harry Kane…

Rooney is accurate in his statement that Kane needs more protection when it comes to his fitness, having played in every single game for Spurs this season, the likelihood of injury or fatigue remains high for the England captain.

With qualification all but secure, an opportunity could be given to Marcus Rashford or Callum Wilson, allowing Kane to rest up fully ahead of the knockout stages.

If England are to stand any chance of glory in Qatar, they will need Kane at his very best to help add goals and creativity to the side, and if he picks up an injury it could jeopardise the team’s hopes.

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