Meticulous professional Kane honoured to lead England

LONDON: Striker Harry Kane will wear the captain’s armband for England at next month’s World Cup, ending speculation about who would lead Gareth Southgate’s squad in Russia.

The announcement was made in a video published on Twitter in which Southgate said Tottenham’s Kane had “outstanding leadership” qualities. England’s last full-time captain was Wayne Rooney.

Southgate has often played down the significance of the position, preferring to nurture a collective leadership within the team, but Kane will be the figurehead as England go into their 15th World Cup.

Kane, who scored 30 Premier League goals for Tottenham this past season, has 23 caps for England and netted 12 times. “For me the key for a captain is that you set the tone every day in everything that we do, the way we train, the way we prepare and the professionalism towards the task,” Southgate said.

“Harry is an exemplary model of that. He is a meticulous professional and is prepared to challenge people.

“Now is a moment in his life where he is prepared to bring that into the team environment.”

Kane, who first captained England in a World Cup qualifier against Scotland last year, said it was a “massive honour”.

“I’m very excited for the World Cup, can’t wait,” he said. “Leading the lads out is going to be special.”

England face Tunisia, Panama and Belgium at the World Cup. – Reuters