Kane plans to pass armband to Rooney on England return

Harry Kane has claimed Wayne Rooney will captain England during his international send-off against the United States and has revealed the idea was that of manager Gareth Southgate.

The Football Association has insisted Rooney will not take the armband off Kane for the friendly at Wembley and will make only a cameo appearance. Southgate has also decided against giving him his old No10 shirt.

But England captain Kane has added to the confusion surrounding the plans for Rooney’s tribute by saying the 33-year-old will lead the team for however long he plays.

Asked whether he will pass over the armband to Rooney, England captain Kane said: “Yes, of course. He deserves it. He was a great captain for us. He was the captain when I first got into the squad. If he plays, of course he’ll be the captain.”

Rooney’s recall, and the way in which the news broke without the FA’S knowledge, resulted in speculation over who first floated the idea.

Southgate has been accused by some critics of being a “yes man” for agreeing to Rooney’s send-off, but Kane has shed light over how it came about.

Asked if Rooney’s inclusion in the squad, which is formally announced on Thursday, took him by surprise, Kane said: “No. We spoke, me, the gaffer and a couple of players, previously about doing something for the players who have amazing milestones, amazing international careers. I didn’t know it was going to be this game, but I knew it was an idea that Gareth wanted to do. I think it’s great. Wayne was an amazing player for us, one of our greatest-ever players and it’s a shame that his international career kind of just stopped.

“I think the fans will embrace it, we should all embrace it and give him the send-off he deserves.”

Other than explaining his reasons for recalling Rooney when he names his squad for the US friendly and Uefa Nations League game against Croatia, Southgate is expected to confirm that Jadon Sancho has retained his place with the seniors.

The Borussia Dortmund teenager could start for the first time for England against the United States.