Dele Alli and Harry Kane fitness concerns for England after Colombia win
Wednesday 4 July 2018 11:35, UK
Gareth Southgate faces an anxious wait over the fitness of Dele Alli and Harry Kane in the wake of England's penalty shootout victory over Colombia.
The Three Lions booked their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a dramatic win in Moscow on Tuesday night, although several members of the squad appeared to struggle with injuries during the game.
Sky Sports News also understands that striker Jamie Vardy is a doubt for the last-eight clash after needing an injection for a groin strain.
The Leicester forward had been set to take the fifth penalty in the shootout against Colombia, but his injury in extra-time meant Eric Dier stepping in instead.
Midfielder Alli looked to be troubled by the thigh problem which had previously ruled him out of the games against Panama and Belgium, while striker Kane was seen holding his back during Tuesday night's match.
Ashley Young and Kyle Walker also appeared to suffer cramp towards the end of the game and boss Southgate admitted the hard-fought encounter took its toll on his players.
"It's like a scene from MASH in the dressing room," he said. "Some just cramp, and some need just a little bit more assessment, so we'll know more over the next 36 hours.
"I thought there were many, many fouls in the game and I don't think we conceded anywhere near the number of our opponents."
England will play Sweden in the quarter-finals in Samara on Saturday with the winner facing Croatia or hosts Russia in the semi-finals on July 11.
