LiveScore Daily: Today's football news in bite-sized chunks

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Kane fit to face USA

Gareth Southgate has confirmed England captain Harry Kane is fit for Friday’s World Cup clash with the United States.

The striker, 29, injured his ankle early in the second half of Monday’s 6-2 win over Iran and was sent for a scan on Wednesday.

But Three Lions boss Southgate said: "Harry is fine. He has worked slightly separately from the group, but all good for Friday night.

"He had a scan [on Wednesday] to make sure everything is fine."

Defender Harry Maguire is also set to be available after being withdrawn against the Iranians due to poor vision.

Southgate added: "He was feeling ill and that was affecting his vision. 

"You worry about concussion in that instant, but we were going back through all the footage and there is nothing, so he is in a good area."

Meanwhile, Kyle Walker is stepping up his return and could be available on Friday for what would be his first game since groin surgery in October.

Striker Callum Wilson is not considered a fitness doubt despite a minor issue, while midfielder James Maddison missed training again after sitting out the Iran game with a knee injury.

Germany avoid punishment

Germany will not face disciplinary action from FIFA for their pre-match gesture ahead of Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to Japan, according to multiple reports.

Every member of the starting XI covered their mouths during the pre-match team photo in a direct response the world governing body's decision to block the captains of a number of European nations from wearing the OneLove armband at the World Cup.

Seven sides — including England and Wales — were told they would face sanctions if they went against the decision by displaying the logo promoting equality and inclusivity while in Qatar.

On their powerful response, Germany tweeted: "It wasn’t about making a political statement — human rights are non-negotiable. That should be taken for granted, but it still isn’t the case. That’s why this message is so important to us.

"Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice. We stand by our position."

Ex-Three Lion ready for 'special' game

Yunus Musah knows the United States’ meeting with England tomorrow will be a “special” occasion for the ex-Arsenal youngster.

Musah spent seven years at the Gunners’ Hale End academy and played for numerous England youth sides.

But being born in New York while his Ghanian parents were on holiday gave the 19-year-old Valencia midfielder the chance to represent the US — and it is one he has taken with both hands.

Musah said: "I don't think I know how I'm going to feel playing against England.

“It's a special game for sure because I've played for both sides. I made the decision (to play for the US) because I was born here. That was one of the main things. 

"Also, the opportunity at such a young age was something that I wanted to take. It was great when the manager Gregg Berhalter called and gave me that opportunity."

“I played for England for a few years. I had a really nice time with them and a lot of respect for them — for everything they've done for me — but Gareth Southgate and I never had any conversations.

“That decision was very difficult, because, as I said, I had a great time with England and that country did a lot for me — so when the time came to make the decision it was difficult.”

Musah started in central midfield for the US in their 1-1 draw with Wales and will likely be used there again by Berhalter tomorrow.

Koulibaly backs Mendy after errors

Kalidou Koulibaly has leapt to the defence of his Chelsea team-mate Edouard Mendy after his costly errors in Senegal’s opening World Cup defeat to the Netherlands. 

Goalkeeper Mendy was at fault for both goals in the late 2-0 loss, first coming for a cross that he did not make and then spilling a routine shot. 

Mendy has received plenty of criticism, but Koulibaly says people are "making a mountain out of a molehill", with boss Aliou Cisse also confirming the Chelsea goalkeeper will start their second Group A game against Qatar tomorrow. 

Senegal skipper Koulibaly said: "We do speak a lot, we play at the same club and we are brothers in arms for Senegal. He is a very important player for us, it is normal to go through difficult phases. 

"We are making a mountain out of a molehill here. He knows what he needs to do tomorrow, and the rest of the team do as well and we are going to try to put everything together to pull something out of the bag. 

"When a team loses it’s not down to one player, it’s down to the whole team. 

"We are going to do everything we can to change this but I don’t think we should be making a big deal of this. I am not worried, I know Edouard will be on top of his game tomorrow."

Allen raring to go

Wales manager Rob Page has confirmed Joe Allen is "fit and raring to go" ahead of the World Cup clash against Iran.

A hamstring injury had kept the Swansea man out since September and had been training alone in Qatar.

But he was finally able to re-join his team-mates today and is now expected to feature against Iran having sat out their 1-1 draw with United States.

The Dragons boss said: "We've got a few tired bodies. We had a few go down with cramp (against United States). 

"Joe Allen got through his fitness test. He's fit and raring to go. We've got a decision to make on that. Everybody else is fighting fit."

The 72-cap international's expected return is a major boost to Wales having been a key figure during previous European Championship campaigns in 2016 and 2021.