Harry Kane set to be appointed permanent England captain and replace Wayne Rooney
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate believes the Tottenham striker has the leadership qualities to wear the armband
HARRY KANE will become England’s full-time captain.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has made up his mind to keep Kane as skipper — although an announcement may not be made until next season.
The Spurs striker took the armband for Saturday’s 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw in Scotland and hit the injury-time leveller.
Afterwards Kane said: “I would love to be England captain. I don’t know what the gaffer’s feeling is but he gave me the armband and it was probably the most special moment of my career.”
Southgate suggested the match was something of an audition for the role — but it is understood his mind is already made up.
He believes that Kane’s personality and on-field leadership make him the outstanding candidate.
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Southgate has delayed an official announcement as he continues to be sensitive in his handling of Wayne Rooney.
He has not officially stripped the Manchester United striker of the armband, despite privately conceding last November that the nation’s record goalscorer was unlikely to play for his country again.
Rooney, 31, is likely to stay at United this summer after a lack of offers from Everton or other Premier League clubs.
But he is not part of club boss Jose Mourinho’s long-term plans and is sure to slip even further off the England radar.
Kane, 23, has been a personal favourite of Southgate since their days with the Under-21s.