Kane retains captaincy – but Hart on the sidelines

England: Tottenham striker keeps armband for France clash

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 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 tonight’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.”

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. Tom Heaton will start the game and Jack Butland will play the second half for different reasons,” Southgate said.

PA. Joe Hart during training yesterday, with the 71-times capped keeper set to watch the game from the sidelines.