Harry Kane Is Available For Latvian Opponents In 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

JAKARTA - Captain Harry Kane will be available to England in their bid to secure the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Latvia on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, early morning WIB.

Kane missed a 3-0 friendly over Wales on Friday, October 10, 2025, early morning WIB, with an ankle injury he experienced while playing for Bayern Munich.

He returned to training over the weekend and will be available for selection as England aims for a win that will ensure their place in the 2026 World Cup.

"It's very easy for Harry, he can play, he's fit. We did the right thing. He's in top shape in training and ready to play."

"I don't understand why he couldn't play 90 minutes. The pause was only a short break for him. He's played in all the previous games with Bayern Munich."

"So, I don't see any problems there," said England coach Thomas Tuchel.

Kane's return was on time aftertensive Watkins withdrew from the match due to an injury he suffered against Wales.

In the previous friendly match, Watkins replaced Kane in the starting XI. He was then injured when he collided with the post while trying to score his second goal in the match.

He continued to play until the first half ended, but was then pulled out and replaced by Marcus Rashford.

Setelah pertandingan, Watkins mengatakan ia baik-baik saat ia tertatih-tatih melewati mixed zone, tetapi ia belum pulih tepat waktu untuk pertandingan counter Latvia di Riga.

He has returned to Aston Villa for treatment to fit for the Premier League match this weekend against Tottenham Hotspur.

"Unfortunately, my brother left the training camp, it was too painful. He couldn't train with us."

"So, he is undergoing treatment at his club and is trying to prepare for the weekend. The point is that. Everyone is with us," said Tuchel.

Meanwhile, England can secure a place at the 2026 World Cup with two games remaining if they can win at Latvian headquarters.

They have won all five games, without conceding, in a Group K campaign that is getting better over time.

"I feel we are building something. We are heading in the right direction, as usual in sports, tomorrow is the hardest game."

"We have to show respect for our opponents, respect the situation. This is an away game in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers."

"With the results of Albania and Serbia, we can qualify after the match against Latvia. We want to do it with extra wins and motivation," said Tuchel.

Tuchel further said he would choose a strong team for the match on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, early morning WIB, although he had not selected 11 players specifically.

"I don't know exactly which team I chose. I haven't decided, but everyone deserves it."

"We have enough time to recover after the match against Wales. The spirit and momentum are clearly there."

"The players are fully focused. They train with full awareness. They train happily."

"They train with full quality. You can feel it. So, everyone has an impact. I don't think we're going to be wrong with the options, but the question is, will we change a lot?"

"How can we manage playing time, but the focus is building a strong team, starting a strong team, also starting a team that is used to playing together," said the German coach.