Harry Kane may not make England debut against Lithuania

Hodgson expects Tottenham forward to feature against Lithuania or Italy

The England manager, Roy Hodgson, has backed the man-of-the-moment Harry Kane to succeed in international football – but stopped short of revealing whether he would make his debut against Lithuania.

Kane has scored 29 goals in all competitions for Tottenham this season and his scintillating form was rewarded with a first ever call-up to the England senior squad for Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley and Tuesday’s friendly against Italy in Turin.

Hodgson remained tight-lipped about Kane’s involvement in the two matches at Thursday’s press conference, but suggested that he has done enough in training to be involved in some capacity.

“We’re very happy with Harry this week, he’s done well,” Hodgson said. “The only thing I can certainly say is he’s not in any way damaged his chances of playing in the full senior team. I’m pretty sure, over the course of the next two games, we’re going to see him make his full debut.

“People have to wait and see when that is. Whether it’s from the start tomorrow or on Tuesday or coming on as a substitute – people will have to wait and see.”


Guardian