Harry Kane released from England squad to return to Spurs before Spain clash

HARRY KANE has been released from the England squad and will return to Spurs.

It means the striker will not play in Tuesday's friendly against Spain.

Interim boss Gareth Southgate said: "Harry Kane has gone back to Tottenham. He reported for us last week but had not played a full game for seven weeks.

"Tottenham were more than happy for him to come with us. It was never really my intention to start him in a game and I think it's important that he gets a different training program to what we're going to follow over the next couple of days.

"I'm really grateful to Tottenham for letting us have him for the qualifier.

"Once we'd assessed our injury status and the fact we were fine and covered for what we'd do for this game, the sessions that we're going to do aren't what Harry needs at this time, having had such a long lay-off."

The Tottenham forward did not feature in Friday's 3-0 World Cup qualifier win over Scotland at Wembley.

Kane has been recovering from an ankle injury he picked up against Sunderland in September.

He did score the equaliser from the spot in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on his return to action.

But it looks like Southgate will stick with Daniel Sturridge up top for Tuesday's clash.

It is thought Sam Allardyce's successor had an agreement with White Hart Lane chiefs to use Kane against the auld enemy only if he needed him and that he would not start him.

But it took 23 minutes for Sturridge to put the hosts ahead and the tie was sealed after further headers from Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill.

Kane is now free to prepare for the home clash against West Ham on Saturday evening.