Gareth Southgate expressed delight at the way Harry Kane captained England in the final two World Cup qualifying wins, against Slovenia and Lithuania, but admitted he is yet to decide who will be the permanent leader.
Kane’s 27th-minute penalty against Lithuania proved to be the winner here and his added-time goal had claimed victory over Slovenia at Wembley on Thursday. In all, the Tottenham striker has scored in each of the four matches he has worn the armband. Yet while Southgate described the centre-forward as one of the best he has encountered in his career, the 24-year-old will have to wait regarding whether he will be named as the captain for Russia 2018.
“It’s a fantastic record,” the manager said. “His finishing quality is top, as good as anyone I’ve played with or worked with. I’m never in doubt that if he has a good opportunity, it’ll be on target and there’s a fair chance he scores. We’re fortunate to have him.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s led, both in terms of by example on the pitch with his performances, but also with the group. I know everyone wants me to get a shift on [to name the captain], but, again, I want to give myself time.”
Despite qualifying as group winners Southgate admitted the mood in the England camp is a little underwhelming after what was another uninspiring display against Lithuania. “We’ve won two matches and after both we’ve come away a bit flat. We wanted to score a load of goals today on the back of the other night. When you don’t, you understand the reaction.
“But I look at the personnel, the change of system,” he said in reference to the three-man defence. “It is better to implement that now. Those are the things we have to look at. For me, the qualification was done and it’s the change in system, looking at players who can take us forward. I would imagine there’ll be some tougher selection decisions next month [for the Wembley friendlies against Germany and Brazil].”
