‘It’s not our job’: Tottenham dismiss thoughts of resting Harry Kane before World Cup

Kane has started every game for Spurs this season, missing just 14 minutes of action so far, and could feature against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup

Mark Mann-Bryans
Tuesday 08 November 2022 15:31 GMT
Comments
World Cup: Key things to know ahead of Qatar 2022

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tottenham assistant head coach Cristian Stellini has refused to rule out Harry Kane from starting their Carabao Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest, insisting it is not up to the club to rest the England captain ahead of the World Cup.

Kane has started every game for Spurs this season, missing just 14 minutes of action across both the Premier League and Champions League so far.

A trip to the City Ground in the Carabao Cup could therefore present Tottenham with a good chance to rest their talisman, but Stellini has said the 29-year-old is in contention to start in the East Midlands on Wednesday night.

“The decision (on whether to play Kane) Antonio will take tomorrow because it is too short a time from the last game to analyse which type of energy the players can use in the next game,” Stellini said.

“Antonio will speak with all the players and take the right decision for the team but it is an important game and an important competition and we want to win.

“I want to see Harry Kane in every game. The decision is up to Antonio but I love football and I love to see talented players and Harry Kane is a talented player and in every competition I hope to see him play for Tottenham.”

With Kane set to lead England into the World Cup just 12 days after the Carabao Cup tie and with a tricky Premier League trip to Newcastle to come in between, a rest against Forest could help the Three Lions when they get their tournament under way.

Stellini, however, insists Conte and his coaching staff will do what is best for Tottenham and not for England.

We don't have to think about the World Cup, it is not our job

Cristian Stellini

“We don’t have to think about the World Cup, it is not our job,” he added.

“Our job is to take care of our players and to try to use them to reach our targets but also to save the players.

“We are not crazy! We have to take the right decision with the players sometimes.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in