Guernsey Press

Time for Dominic Solanke if Harry Kane is out? – England v Greece talking points

Kane suffered an injury playing for Bayern Munich at the weekend.

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England continue their Nations League campaign against Greece at Wembley on Thursday night.

Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the talking points.

Will Kane be able?

Harry Kane roars with delight after scoring for England against Finland
Harry Kane is England captain (Mike Egerton/PA)

The striker came off against Eintracht Frankfurt with a knock but was passed fit by England’s medical staff on Monday.

However, he trained individually on Tuesday and with the tight turnaround, it remains to be seen whether the country’s record goalscorer will be fit.

Solanke’s seven-year itch

If Kane is not fit then it could open the door up for Dominic Solanke. The Tottenham striker is back in the England squad for the first time since 2017 when he made a 15-minute cameo as a substitute in a friendly against Brazil at Wembley.

Despite a seven-year exile he always believed he would be back at the top and had his debut shirt framed on his wall at home to use as motivation.

If Kane does not make it, then he will likely be vying with Ollie Watkins for a starting spot.

Carsley to cement his position?

England interim manager Lee Carsley checks his watch during a training session at St George’s Park
Lee Carsley has a 100 per cent record in charge of England (Martin Rickett/PA)

But the former Under-21s manager is beginning to get his feet under the table and has the opportunity to further enhance his chances of getting the job on a permanent basis.

He said that he felt at home on the Wembley touchline during last month’s win over Finland and if his side put on another impressive attacking display against Greece then he could win further support for the future.

Palmer’s first start?

As the hottest property in the Premier League at the moment, it is strange to think Cole Palmer has yet to start a competitive game for his country.

That stat did not stop him being named as England’s player of the year for 2023/24. Given his form for Chelsea, Carsley will surely select him in his starting XI against Greece.

The interim boss has hinted Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are all unlikely to start together in this international break so which position Palmer may get the nod will be interesting.

Greece is the word

Christos Tzolis, centre, celebrates scoring for Greece against Republic of Ireland
Like England, Greece have won both of their games (Niall Carson/PA)

They are ahead of England on goals scored, so this match could go a long way to deciding who finishes top of the group and therefore wins promotion to League A.

Greece are playing well but have not played in a major tournament since the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. They last played England in an international friendly in 2006 when they lost 4-0 at Old Trafford.

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