Harry Kane marked his return to the Tottenham first team in the best possible manner by scoring in the North London derby on Sunday. The England international has been badly missed by Mauricio Pochettino’s team, as they have gone through more than a month without a win in all competitions. Even the goal from Kane was not sufficient to end this unwanted record, but the international break brings the possibility to start new.
The recent reports from the Daily Mail is suggesting that Kane may be handpicked by Southgate to become the next England captain.
There will be more than to just playing 90 minutes as the forward, as it is rumoured that interim manager Gareth Southgate would appoint Kane as the captain of the England national team. It would be a major feather in the cap for the 23-year-old, who was on loan at the likes of Millwall and Leyton Orient not too long ago. Since making his debut in 2015, Kane has featured quite heavily for England. His record of five goals in 17 appearances does not create ruffles, but it is a solid return nonetheless.
Wayne Rooney has been the national team’s captain elect for the last few years. After the departure of Steven Gerrard from the international fold, Rooney was made as the captain by former boss Roy Hodgson. Sam Allardyce did not choose to change this decision in his extremely short reign as the England boss. Southgate may still be able to get the job on a permanent basis, but he is right now seen as a temporary solution for the national team.
Rooney does not look likely to give up on the captaincy role even with his poor form resulting in his place being under a cloud of doubt. He has already confirmed his intentions to retire from England duty after the World Cup 2018. With little over 18 months left for the competition, talk has already begun about the 31-year-old’s successor in the national team. Harry Kane looks perfectly set up to take up the mantle, but it remains to be seen if he would be up for the captain’s armband.
At present, the 23-year-old is working as the vice-captain of Tottenham. Players are thought to have been extremely impressed by the natural leadership skills within the forward. Southgate has an extremely good relationship with Kane after having been working together since the England under 21s.
Manchester United’s second all-time top goal scorer – Wayne Rooney – has been struggling to get into the club team of late. However, he returned to form with major contributions in the 3-1 win over Swansea during the weekend.
Kane remains doubtful for the upcoming game against Scotland after having just returned from a seven-week spell on the sidelines.
