Striker will go for gold

wanting to win. That starts against Spain. It’ll be a big test, Spain are very good, but if we do win, it’ll give us huge belief going forward.”

Southgate could start with up to nine of the team who played against Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals with Ashley Young, 33, left out and the injured Raheem Sterling the absentees.

That will mean Danny Rose or Luke Shaw at left wing-back with Marcus Rashford or Fabian Delph replacing Sterling.

The England coach insists there is not a better centre-forward in the world right now than Kane.

He dismissed claims that Kane’s Golden Boot was cheaply earned because three of his goals were penalties and five came against Tunisia and Panama.

“If you look at the Golden Boot down the years, we wouldn’t know who people scored their goals against,” said Southgate. “I can’t remember Lineker’s (at Italia 90), so it’s a brilliant achievement however you reach it.

“Look at the No.9s around the world – Messi and Ronaldo are different players – I can’t see a better one in the world.

“Always as a player you are questioned and challenged about the next step. That’s what drives the very best – they want to continually win, making a difference in the games that matter.

“That’s what I’ve seen in the last five years working with Harry. I don’t see any signs of that hunger and ambition dwindling. He’s coming into his prime in the next few years.”