Harry Kane sidelined as England 'play it safe' ahead of Latvia clash

England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed on Wednesday that the striker would not be risked for the midweek fixture, with the medical staff keen to give him extra time to recover.

"He got a kick in his last match with Bayern Munich," Tuchel said. "It was too risky for him to get another one and be in an up-and-down situation pain-wise.

"We decided to give him the chance to let everything calm down."

The England captain has been in fine form this season for Bayern, continuing to be a key figure both domestically and in Europe. However, with a busy international schedule ahead, the decision to rest him was seen as a precaution rather than a setback.

Kane is expected to return when England resume their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Latvia next Tuesday.

"We are convinced he'll be ready for the match against Latvia," Tuchel added. "The goal is to make sure he's in the best possible condition for the games that really matter."

England will now turn to Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney to lead the attack against Wales, as Tuchel uses the friendly to test his squad depth ahead of the crucial qualifiers

READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate's injury 'appears minor' amid Liverpool's defensive woes