LINEKER CONVINCED SKIPPER KANE HANDLE THE PRESSURE

GARY LINEKER backs Harry Kane to shoulder the dual burden of being England’s World Cup captain and main goal threat.

Like Lineker before him, Kane is a prolific Tottenham striker as well as his country’s most feared weapon.

But while Lineker boasted a fabulous record in tournament football, scoring six times at the 1986 World Cup and adding another four at Italia 90, his successor drew a blank at Euro 2016. He has since extended his England tally to 13 in 24 caps and was handed the armband in Russia, a show of faith Lineker expects to pay dividends.

Lineker said: “Harry is our talisman. You know he won’t be scared of it, you know he deals with these sorts of things and he will relish it. I’m sure he will do well. Harry is one of the best strikers in the world, it’s great we have got him.

“Like all strikers he just needs to hit the form at the right time. You can never be sure in a major tournament because you need the team to play well.

“He knows what to expect, he has to play his game, the same game he plays for Tottenham. If he does that and strikes form then he will do well. He doesn’t need anyone to tell him that, it’s all about delivering and enjoying it.”

Wales boss Ryan Giggs also expects much from Kane (right), who drew criticism from some quarters for claiming a goal initially awarded to teammate Christian Eriksen.

He said: “It’s no surprise to me Harry did that. I think great centre-forwards have to be single minded.”