Jose Mourinho’s wish has been granted – with Harry Kane on the bench for England’s game with San Marino this evening.
Prior to the international break, the Spurs boss had hoped that Gareth Southgate would “comprise” to protect Kane, and manage his minutes ahead of the rest of the Premier League, especially after playing 90 minutes against both Arsenal and Aston Villa, with 120 minutes against Dinamo Zagreb sandwiched between.
Southgate responded by saying he wouldn’t let Kane make a decision about his minutes, or he’d play every minute.
And common-sense has prevailed ahead, with the Tottenham striker joining Eric Dier amongst the substitutes at Wembley Stadium, ahead of further World Cup qualifiers against Albania on Sunday and the home game with Poland on Wednesday.
And with minnows San Marino the lowest-ranked side in qualifying having never won a competitive fixture, providing England get the job done, Kane should be given the night off.
Here's how the #ThreeLions line up for our first game of 2021! pic.twitter.com/Qu36JPVfee
— England (@England) March 25, 2021
