Kane to keep the leading role for England
HARRY Kane will keep the captain’s armband for England’s season-ending friendly in France, where Tom Heaton and Jack Butland will play instead of under-scrutiny Joe Hart.
Fresh from Saturday’s frantic World Cup qualifying draw against old foes Scotland, the Three Lions have returned to the country that last year witnessed one of their lowest moments.
Bowing out of Euro 2016 to Iceland still sticks in the craw and has seen manager Southgate attempt to bring leadership to a group that was lacking just that in Nice.
Kane became the fifth different captain in seven matches in the 2-2 draw at Hampden Park and will lead again in today’s friendly in France.
“I am not committing to a timescale on that,” Southgate said after being asked when a permanent captain would be named.
“I think it has been a good experience to develop other leaders.
“We’re seeing that not only in terms of responsibility but the way the group are prepared to contribute when we’re discussing games, when we’re reviewing games.
“There’s lots of potential leaders in different ways - some are at the forefront, speak first, lead from the front in different ways.
“Others are more thoughtful, take responsibility on the ball, show leadership in other ways. Everybody’s different.
“But I am not in a rush to make that decision.
“I think at some point it is probably something we should do – in fact, I am certain it is something we should do – but I think it has been good to devolve the leadership.”
Handing the captaincy to a 23-year-old highlights how important Southgate believes it is to spread the burden, but keeping Kane for today does not necessarily mean he is front runner for the permanent role.
Southgate was also keen to underline that Hart’s absence from the starting line-up was not a knee-jerk reaction to his display in Scotland – a performance the England manager was unwilling to open up about.
Burnley goalkeeper Heaton will be rewarded with his first international start at the Stade de France, where Stoke’s Butland will play the second half having not represented his country since suffering an ankle injury against Germany 444 days ago. “I said on Saturday it was never my intention to play Joe in this game,” Southgate said. “Tom Heaton will start the game and Jack Butland will play the second half for different reasons. “Tom has had an outstand- ing season. We’ve got to maintain the squad environment, that people feel involved.
“Equally Jack is coming back from a long lay-off. He was the number two before that, hasn’t had the amount of game-time perhaps up to now, but we think he can also challenge for the number one slot moving forwards.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is set to start in Paris, where uncapped Kieran Trippier and Ben Gibson are likely to be involved at some point.