ANTONIO CONTE told England boss Gareth Southgate: Look after Harry Kane.
The Tottenham striker has played more minutes than any other Premier League star this term.
Boss Conte, who admitted his skipper is “really, really tired”, even started him in the Carabao Cup in midweek.
The Italian is expected to pick Kane against Leeds on Saturday — but wants Southgate to go easy on him.
England face Iran in their World Cup opener in nine days and Conte warned: “There’s a big risk. All the players have played a lot.
“Coaches of national teams have to be very good to manage the situation.
“When you are a player like Harry that gives everything in every game, it’s very difficult to give him rest, to put him on the bench.
“After our game against Leeds there are eight days to prepare for the World Cup.
“Until now, we have managed the situation and, believe me, it was really, really difficult.
“To play 13 club games in 43 days, mentally you could be a bit tired.”
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Marathon man Kane — scorer of 11 Premier League goals — has played 1,845 minutes this season in all competitions for Tottenham.
Incredibly, that is the most playing time of ALL Prem players of all nationalities this term.
And players’ union Fifpro warned stars are being “pushed past acceptable limits” by a “saturated” schedule to allow for the winter tournament in Qatar.
Fifpro general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann said: “There is a lot of concern.
“You have players who play all the time. This is the number one topic for many players that they see really impacting their careers.”
Conte added: “Harry is working very well. We are talking about a player with great experience to manage his body.
“Top players have to be good to manage these situations.
“You make the difference by managing these situations in the right way.
“When you’re a top player it’s very difficult for the manager to put them on the bench.
“You need your top players to play.”
Kane, 29, was subbed after 59 minutes of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat at Forest.
But ahead of today’s Prem clash against Leeds, Conte added: “When I watch Harry, I see a player that wants to play every game.
“This is good. This is important for me because it means he feels well. He feels a lot of energy in his body.
“Tottenham is now at the top of his thoughts. Until Saturday.
“Then for sure, he is the captain of England, the most representative player. His eyes are full of energy.
“The fans must not be worried for him. Harry is going to play a fantastic World Cup.”
