England vs Scotland: Harry Kane to have fitness test as Gareth Southgate shows caution after goalscoring return

Kane returned after a seven-week absence in Tottenham's 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday but Southgate will wait to assess his condition before selecting him to face Scotland on Friday

Harry Kane returned from a seven-week injury absence at the weekend to score against Arsenal (Getty)

England manager Gareth Southgate will check on the fitness of Harry Kane before considering him for a start against Scotland and is confident his squad can cope with the loss of fellow Tottenham star Dele Alli.

Striker Kane returned to action after seven weeks out with ankle trouble in Spurs' 1-1 draw at Arsenal on Sunday, scoring an equaliser from the penalty spot.

Southgate admits he would love to start Kane against Gordon Strachan's men but will make sure he is fully fit.

He told a press conference: "I think the first thing we have to do with Harry is check how he is after yesterday.

"I think Spurs, maybe with Dele 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.

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

Kane's Tottenham team-mate Alli suffered a knee injury in training which ruled him out against the Gunners and is expected to keep him sidelined for three weeks.

That also rules him out of the World Cup qualifier with Scotland and friendly against Spain and Southgate admits he will be a big loss.

However, he is confident England are well stocked in that position, saying: "I think he's a super player, we like him a lot.

"We've worked with him at England since the Under-18s and younger so we know all about him.

"It's a shame for us and it was a shame for him to miss the game yesterday and to miss the two matches that we've got, but we are very fortunate that we have a lot of very good players in that area of the field, so it's an opportunity for somebody else."

Jack Wilshere, on loan at Bournemouth from Arsenal, is back in the squad after impressing at the Vitality Stadium.

When asked what he had seen in Wilshere for the midfielder to earn a recall, Southgate said: "I don't think there has ever been any questioning of his quality.

"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.

"The fact he's had three 90 minutes with Bournemouth and I've been to two of their other games, I think it's a good moment to bring him back into the squad."

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

Jack Wilshere has been handed a recall to the England squad (Getty)

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."

Southgate is boosted by the return of Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana and Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling after the pair were ruled out against Malta and Slovenia through injury.

The England boss is relishing the return of the duo and hopes they can take their impressive club form into the upcoming international double-header.

"They are both clearly in very good form for their clubs and that's always helpful when you've got players that are playing well and in a good moment then that tends to carry through into their performances with us," he said.

"I was watching Liverpool yesterday. They are a team that are in a really good moment and I was at their training ground last week, there's a really good atmosphere about the place and they clearly believe in what the manager is doing and hopefully they can bring that with them to our performances."

PA