Harry Kane’s leadership credentials are tarnished.. Jordan Henderson should be England captain

IF Jordan Henderson ends up lifting the European Cup in Kiev on Saturday night, it is going to start looking like a strange decision from Gareth Southgate.

For most of the last 12 months, as the England boss stubbornly refused to name his permanent skipper, Harry Kane seemed the nailed-on favourite — despite not captaining his club.

Yet while Liverpool captain Henderson’s stock has risen rapidly as he led them into the Champions League final with Real Madrid, Kane’s credentials as a leader of men have been tarnished.

The storm that blew up when Kane claimed a goal at Stoke, which had originally been credited to team-mate Christian Eriksen, did not make him look like a team man.

Then, when his manager Mauricio Pochettino said Kane had been hurt by the ridicule and stick he received, it sounded as if he might be too thin-skinned to lead his country into the World Cup.

Yet England chief Southgate had told Kane he would wear the armband in Russia during the previous international break in March, only to swear him to secrecy.

Within weeks, the controversy over that goal at Stoke erupted.

So when news of his appointment was finally announced yesterday, Kane fielded questions about his perceived sensitivity and footballing selfishness.

Kane, who at 24 will be England’s youngest captain at a World Cup, said: “I’m not sensitive at all. Criticism drives me to do better, if anything.

“I’m a player who has had to prove people wrong my whole career to reach this level. The loan spells, trying to grow up and force my way into the Spurs team. It makes me want to work even harder.

“I met Gareth at the Grove Hotel when the squad were there in March.

“We were talking for an hour or so and he said he wanted me to be the captain. I’ve had to keep it quiet a while but it’s fantastic.

“I filled up with pride. I didn’t tell anyone, except my fiancee, mum and dad, and brother. I had to keep my lips sealed.

“I knew Hendo was captain of Liverpool and a great leader, and Eric Dier has stepped in.

“I knew I had a chance to be captain and I know other players who are strong leaders as well.

“Jordan texted me on Monday night, a nice text congratulating me.

“We’re good friends. I wished him luck for the final. It would be great for your England mates to come here with a Champions League under their belts. We want winners in this team, people who have won trophies.”

Southgate wanted to remove the mystique from the England captaincy — but by delaying a decision on a permanent one, he only made it more of an issue.

And now with Henderson thriving, a decision which would have looked natural no longer looks the logical one.

Nevertheless, Kane was in tub-thumping mood, claiming England can win the World Cup.

While nobody wants Southgate’s men to head to Russia with a defeatist attitude, he could have toned down the bullishness.

It is supposed to be the media who puts too much pressure on England’s players, but these days they invite expectations on themselves.

After all the flak he has taken, it was difficult not to admire Kane for being so unrepentant about that Stoke goal.

He added: “It was my goal and I rightly claimed it. It was down to the Premier League to make a decision and they did.

“Maybe it’s the world we live in — a lot of stuff gets over-analysed on social media. But I claimed the goal, got the goal and moved on.”

Whether or not that was a sign of selfishness, Kane is adamant he has the necessary team ethic to captain England, claiming he will lead by example.

The Spurs striker said: “There are going to be difficult moments at a World Cup, times when we are 1-0 down or holding on to a lead. So if you feel someone needs a push, or a lift, you have to be that person.

“You cannot be afraid to shout at each other to get people the best they can be. I think it comes to me naturally. I’ve been brought up that way.

“For me, working hard is the main thing. No excuse not to do that. If I see someone not doing that, I’ll give them a push. This is the standard we set.”

Kane spoke of his patriotism, of how he was up at 6.30am to watch the Royal Wedding while holidaying in the Bahamas.

He name-checked ex-England skipper David Beckham as an inspiration, having attended the same Chingford school as Becks.

And he spoke about his desire to win the Golden Boot, having scored on each of the four occasions he has led England.

He added: “I’ve scored a few goals since I’ve had the armband.

“I’m extremely proud to wear it, but I have to go and do my job, work hard for the team, and score my goals as well.

“It would be amazing to get the Golden Boot.”

KANE AND ABLE Harry Kane says England CAN win the World Cup after Spurs star is named captain

ENGLAND players have been offered help by the FA after raising concerns over potential racism at the World Cup.

Wembley chiefs vowed to work with members of the squad and ensure their families are kept safe at the tournament.