CAPTAIN HARRY KANE READY FOR ROLE

Harry Kane is the latest captain for the Three Lions after his appointment as the leader of the side against Scotland in the crucial World Cup qualifier.


Since the new millennium, 21 players had captained the English national side.

David Beckham served the longest in that capacity – 59 games. Several players have been handed opportunities to lead the team in times past. Martin Keown, Gareth Barry, Scott Parker, Ashley Cole, James Milner, Chris Smalling, Phil Jagielka and Joe Hart have led the team on one or two occasions. Sol Camobell was the skipper in three games.

Chelsea’s Gary Cahill and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson have also had their opportunities. Frank Lampard was captain in eight games; Michael Owen’s record is one better while Tony Adams has 15 games as captain in his record. The great Alan Shearer was in charge for 34 games; Rio Ferdinand 7 games; John Terry 34 while Steven Gerrard is 38 games.

Wayne Rooney is still the official captain with 22 games already under his belt but he seems set for a longer layoff from the team. Kane said there were leaders in the team but he is just wearing the armband. He says nothing about him as changed since Gareth Southgate gave him the captaincy on Saturday.

“It was quite emotional to be given the chance. The manager told me just before training on Friday. He said he sees me as one of the leaders in the team, that was it. Nothing about it being permanent,” Kane revealed.

He said it motivated him to ensure they avoided a loss against Scotland in his first game as captain. Kane is the fifth captain in Southgate’s seven game run. And it is starting to raise eyebrows.