Lallana hails world-class striker Kane

Adam Lallana believes England’s Harry Kane is “one of the best players in the world”.

Hampden Park will witness the latest chapter in the Tottenham striker’s fairytale rise after Gareth Southgate confirmed the 23-year-old as captain for tonight’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Scotland (5pm).

It is a momentous occasion for a player in the best form of his career, with an explosive end to the campaign seeing him wrap up the Golden Boot for the second successive season.

Liverpool midfielder Lallana believes there are few better players in the world right now and that Kane is a deserving recipient of the captain’s armband in Glasgow.

“I am absolutely delighted for Harry,” he said.

“I’ve been so impressed with him, having played against him at Tottenham and played with him for my country.

“This season he’s demonstrated once again why he is one of the best players in the worldm and he’s still only 23, so he’s still young and I’m sure he’s still got a lot of learning to do.

“But him being the captain, if selected and I can play with him then it will be a great honour to walk out behind him.”

Lallana produced a man-of-the-match display in November’s 3-0 win against Scotland at Wembley.

The 29-year-old was not being drawn into debate on which country this match meant more to, with his only focus on the Three Lions tightening their grip on the Group F summit.

“It is going to be a great atmosphere, but one I am sure me and the lads will thrive off,” Lallana added.

“I was lucky enough to play in the game a couple of years ago when we won 3-2 and the game at Wembley was good as well, a convincing 3-0 win.

“But each game is different. We feel like we are as ready as ever and we’re looking for three points to finish off our season nicely.”

On the skipper choice, boss Gareth Southgate said: “Harry’s one of a number of people I could have given that opportunity to. But a couple of the others have done it already and I wanted to give him that boost for the game.”