Will Harry Kane miss Euro 2024? England continue to sweat over striker's fitness amid back injury fears
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is reportedly confident that he will regain full fitness before England commence their European Championship campaign in mid-June.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man hasn't featured for the Bavarian side since their Champions League second-leg semi-final defeat to Real Madrid on May 8.
Speaking about Kane's fitness, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel said (via GOAL):
"In Madrid, it was borderline. We tried injections and treatments. The back has completely closed. It has gotten worse and kept breaking out in small everyday movements. There's no chance he's even training."
German news publication BILD has also confirmed that the 30-year-old forward is no longer in Munich and has jetted out to receive treatment. Journalist David Verhoff said:
"You have to say that the back problems were minor in the beginning. Things haven't gotten any better in the last two weeks. That's why left early to see his medical examiner. He is no longer in Munich."
Despite concerns over the player's fitness, Kane himself believes he will be alright for the upcoming international tournament, as per GOAL. Missing the English forward would be a huge blow for the Three Lions, particularly after a season where he's scored 44 goals across competitions.
Kane is by far the first-choice striker for his country as well. He's made 89 appearances across competitions for England and has netted on 62 occasions.
Who could replace Harry Kane in the striker's role if misses out on Euro 2024?
England boss Gareth Southgate will have to assess his options if Harry Kane could miss out on the European Championships this summer. The most reasonable choice would be Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, who has enjoyed an unbelievable Premier League season with his club.
Watkins has netted 19 goals in 37 league matches while managing 27 across all competitions this campaign. Another option Southgate could consider is Brentford's number nine Ivan Toney.
Toney only returned to action after serving a lengthy betting ban halfway through the season. He hasn't particularly lit up the Premier League since his return, having bagged four goals in 17 matches.
A worry for England would be that neither player boasts sufficient international experience. Watkins has received 11 caps for his country, scoring three goals, while Toney has only appeared on two occasions for the Three Lions.