Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is reportedly set to be named England skipper by Gareth Southgate.

The first international break of the calendar year is on the horizon and Southgate has some vital decisions to take ahead of the World Cup in Russia.

Kane, Premier League’s joint-top scorer, who is not only expected to lead the attack for his nation in the summer, has now emerged as the potential candidate to wear the armband.

The Tottenham striker has edged ahead of Jordan Henderson, Gary Cahill, Joe Hart and Eric Dier, who led the side for the November friendlies against Brazil and Germany.

Spurs were eliminated from the Champions League on Wednesday and that has left the players shattered.

Kane, whose header came off the post in the dying minutes of the game, needs a lift and Southgate is ready to hand him the armband, reports the Daily Star.

The Spurs man looks favourite to wear the armband in Russia, despite Southgate having reservations about naming a striker as skipper.

The report adds that the Three Lions boss has spent ‘a great deal of time’ considering who should lead the side on a permanent basis.

Chelsea defender and skipper Gary Cahill and West Ham goalkeeper Hart have fallen down the pecking order due to a lack of playing time at their clubs, while Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson divides opinions amongst the fans.

Dier is not considered as a serious option after he took the armband in November last year because Henderson and Kane were absent.

England plays friendlies with Holland and Italy later this month and Southgate is set to name the squad next Thursday.

As far as Kane’s England captaincy is concerned, I honestly don’t find him to be a natural leader. He is a world-class striker, no doubt about it but when it comes to leading a side, I have a different opinion.

Southgate must think again before naming the nation’s captain for the World Cup. Kane, in my opinion, should not be handed the armband as that could put extra pressure on him and that could hamper his game.