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Gareth Southgate to check on Harry Kane ahead of England v Scotland

Harry Kane in action during the friendly between England and Portugal at Wembley
Image: Harry Kane has not featured for England since the 1-0 win over Slovakia on September 4

England interim manager Gareth Southgate will check on the fitness of forward Harry Kane ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland.

The 23-year-old scored on his Tottenham return after seven weeks out with an ankle injury, earning them a 1-1 draw at rivals Arsenal on Sunday.

Kane missed the qualifiers against Malta and Slovenia in October because of the injury, but Southgate suggested he would be keen to start him against Gordon Strachan's side, providing he is fully fit. 

"I think the first thing we have to do with Harry is check how he is after yesterday," Southgate said. 

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 06:  Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Danny Rose and Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hots
Image: Kane scored on his comeback from injury at the Emirates

"I think Spurs, maybe with Dele [Alli] missing as well, took a decision for what was a very big game for them.

"Of course we have a big game ourselves and will have to see what level he's at when he reports.

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England interim manager Gareth Southgate says he's happy with his options to take on Scotland in their World Cup Qualifier on Friday

"But it was great to see him back and scoring and with a smile on his face at the end of the game."

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Bournemouth midfielder Jack Wilshere is in contention to feature against the Scots after being named in Southgate's 25-man squad for the game at Wembley. 

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Wilshere has not featured for England since the 2-1 Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland in June, but has proved his fitness while on loan at the Vitality Stadium and Southgate believes the time was right to recall the 24-year-old.

"Well, I don't think there's even been any questioning of his quality," said Southgate, whose side also face Spain in a friendly at Wembley next Tuesday.

"We've felt for a long time that he's a player that can play at the highest level, so I guess as much as anything, it's been his match sharpness and the fact that he's had three 90 minutes' with Bournemouth.

Jack Wilshere in action for AFC Bournemouth
Image: Jack Wilshere is back in the squad after proving his fitness while on loan at Bournemouth

"I've been to two of their games and we've had people at the other games and I think it's the right moment to involve him back into the squad."

Southgate could face one or two potential selection posers, with Spurs duo Kyle Walker and Danny Rose sustaining knocks at the Emirates and Arsenal's Theo Walcott on baby watch.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 6: of Arsenal during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at W
Image: Spurs defender Kyle Walker picked up a knock against Arsenal and is a doubt for the match against Scotland, as is Danny Rose

He added: "We have named 25 for that reason, because there a couple of knocks from yesterday that we are not totally sure about.

"Theo Walcott might have to disappear at any time as his wife is expecting so we are conscious of that, but until we've had the chance to assess a couple of scenarios we are not too sure."

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