HARRY KANE’S three-month absence is obviously bad news for Tottenham but it could end up being a good thing for England.
Rupturing your hamstring is a bad injury and Spurs say he will be back training at the start of April.
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If that timescale is correct then he should be fit and raring to go for Euro 2020.
I faced a similar issue in the countdown to Euro 96.
I had a hernia operation towards the end of the season that kept me out for four to five weeks but I came back in time for a couple of friendlies and was fresh for the finals.
If Kane’s recovery doesn’t go to plan, then England boss Gareth Southgate shouldn’t be too despondent.
Four of the five top scorers in the Premier League are English and that’s before you get to Kane and Raheem Sterling who are both on 11 goals.
Here’s my verdict on England’s contenders beyond their crocked captain…
THE NEXT IN LINE — TAMMY ABRAHAM
Given this is his first season in the Premier League, the Chelsea striker has taken to the top flight like a duck to water.
He’s had an excellent season so far and is repaying Frank Lampard for putting his faith in him.
Remember Lampard — who was hamstrung by the club’s transfer ban — had Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi at his disposal.
But he came out at the start of the season and said Abraham was his first choice, giving him the No 9 shirt, too.
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His all-round game has been superb. He’s leading the line, which is no easy job, and is exceptional at bringing team-mates into the game.
Nothing seems to faze him and he won’t be bullied by opposition defenders.
He’s got pace, power and intelligence but he has to score goals in that position, which he has done.
Abraham’s got 13 Prem goals so far but I reckon he could have had a few more. He certainly could have scored a hat-trick against Burnley on Saturday.
He is the main reason Chelsea are in the top four and finishing there would be a remarkable achievement for Lampard.
THE WIDE BOY — MARCUS RASHFORD
Given Manchester United are blowing hot and cold this season, Rashford is doing very well.
The big question remains — is he better at centre-forward or out wide in a front three?
I would play him out wide as he looks more comfortable there.
If he starts on the left, he is given the freedom to drift into areas where he can score as he showed again on Saturday against Norwich when he got on the end of Juan Mata’s cross to score the opener.
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His position typifies what is happening at several top Prem teams, particularly Liverpool.
They have three forwards who have licence to roam. Rashford is looking very confident at the moment and long may it continue.
THE OUTSIDER — DANNY INGS
You cannot ignore Ings’ form which is one of the main reasons Southampton have hauled themselves away from danger at the bottom of the table.
It’s very difficult when you are playing for a ‘lesser’ team as you have to scrap it out for chances rather than being served up regular opportunities.
His strong point is his ability to get in behind defenders as he did on Saturday to score the winner at high-flying Leicester.
Ings is a natural goalscorer and you can tell his confidence is sky-high right now.
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He’s going on to the pitch expecting — rather than hoping — to score goals. That’s a great feeling for any No 9.
I would still be surprised if he does make the cut for Southgate’s final squad.
But if Kane doesn’t make it, and he is still scoring freely as he is now, they would have to take a serious look at him.
THE WILDCARD — MASON GREENWOOD
I like everything I’ve seen from this lad. He’s fearless.
Greenwood, 18, is such a natural finisher. He’s so keen to get the that finish away early which shows you how much confidence he has.
After coming on as a sub against Norwich, you could see his single-mindedness to get the shot away to score with his left foot from outside the area.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been raving about Greenwood this season. One of his big strengths is how he is comfortable with both feet.
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It is always a gamble rushing a teenager into the tournament squad. But if he keeps impressing like he has, then who knows where it will take him.
Another player who has come into contention is Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin but he has to do what we’ve seen in the past month on a regular basis to even have a sniff of a chance.
THE SOS CALL — JAMIE VARDY
We all know how good Vardy is and he’s had another stunning season with Leicester.
One of the reasons he’s stayed so sharp is that he stopped playing for England after the 2018 World Cup.
He’s made it clear he is still retired but if Kane misses out, he’ll face pressure to come back for the Euros.
Southgate clearly thinks ‘I shouldn’t have to ask someone to play for England’.
I understand both the player’s and manager’s stance — and that question doesn’t have to be answered just yet.
But if Kane fails to recover, Southgate may have to ask Vardy.
There wouldn’t be any issue with the squad if Vardy has missed the qualification campaign.
They would just want the best for their country.
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Don’t switch off in final push
EVERYTHING is going right for Liverpool and it looks so, so easy.
A first league title in 30 years awaits but boss Jurgen Klopp will want them to go on and dominate like the Reds teams of the 70s and 80s.
Can they match Arsenal’s Invincibles by finishing a whole season unbeaten?
The key will be how they react if they wrap up the title by March or April, especially if they are still in the Champions League.
They must not switch off in their final Prem games.
Kun of a Kind
CONGRATULATIONS to Sergio Aguero for breaking my record of Premier League hat-tricks yesterday.
He’s a world-class goalscorer and arguably the best overseas player we’ve ever seen here.
At least I can enjoy my record of 260 Prem goals for a little while longer!
