Harry Kane pictured with strapping on his right ankle and a slight limp after England's 6-2 win against Iran at World Cup 2022.
During the 48th minute of England's opening Group B game, Iranian defender Morteza Pouraliganji clattered into Kane from behind. The England striker seemingly injured his ankle from the foul, requiring treatment at the beginning of the second half.
Fortunately, Kane managed to continue for a further 30-odd minutes before being replaced by Callum Wilson up front. However, in photos captured by The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, Harry Kane was seen limping through the mixed-media zone.
Harry Kane walking through mixed zone with right ankle lightly strapped & slight limp after 48th-min challenge by Pouraliganji. Kane was replaced on 75 mins so 1 to watch but seems to have escaped serious injury @TheAthleticFC #FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 #ENG https://t.co/rRbQ9JZ45N pic.twitter.com/twVO2lwLoyNovember 21, 2022
He also had strapping on his right ankle - the same ankle he was holding following the challenge by Pouraliganji. He didn't mention the injury during his address to his followers on social media, though.
The 2018 World Cup Golden Boot winner failed to get on the scoresheet against Iran, something he will certainly be frustrated about, especially considering England scored six goals. The 29-year-old did manage two assists in the match, though, and played well for the time he was on the pitch.
Bukayo Saka notched twice on his World Cup debut, after 19-year-old Jude Bellingham headed home the first senior England goal of his fledgling career. Raheem Sterling also scored, while both Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish came off the bench to add to the scoring.
Iran's Mehdi Taremi managed to grab both of their goals, including a penalty.
Whether Kane will be able to get off the mark in the next game, against USA on Friday, remains to be seen.
Ornstein does suggest he "seems to have escaped serious injury".
Kane will have just four days to rest and recover his ankle in time for the second group game of the tournament. Should he fail to be fully fit in time, England's final game of the group stages is against Wales next Tuesday, in what could be a truly decisive fixture.
