England captain Harry Kane has recovered from a back injury and is ready to lead the national team into Euro 2024, according to manager Gareth Southgate.
Kane, 30, was substituted in the second half of Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final second-leg loss to Real Madrid two weeks ago and missed the final two Bundesliga matches of the season.
Outgoing Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel described Kane’s condition as a “complete blockage,” noting that the striker was struggling to move.
However, Southgate has confirmed that Kane’s condition has significantly improved. “He is quite relaxed about it. I think a sensible decision was taken not to push for the last game there,” Southgate said.
“Back problems can just happen – travel, whatever else – but it is not something we are concerned about at this moment in time. Our understanding of it is that it is something that is pretty much clear now.”
Kane scored 44 goals in 45 appearances for Bayern after his transfer from Tottenham last summer. Despite his impressive personal performance, Bayern experienced a disappointing end to the season, failing to secure a trophy for the first time since 2012.
“It won’t be nice for him and I am sure he will be aware of what people will say about that. But his love for this challenge and desire to make this work has never wavered and he is definitely looking forward to this tournament,” Southgate added.
“He will of course be disappointed that he hasn’t won the league but there has been a lot going on at the football club which has been obvious from the outside. It has been a slightly different role there I would say, as he has been encouraged to stay higher and a little bit less involved in the build-up. But he has delivered what we thought he would deliver in terms of goals in that league and I know the club are super happy with what he has done.”
