Gareth Southgate has no shortage of dilemmas to think about as England head into the international break.
The Three Lions need a positive result against Scotland before they can start looking ahead to the World Cup in 2018, but they’re already having to think beyond even that tournament.
Wayne Rooney has already said he’ll hang up his armband in two years time – if indeed he’s still in England’s plans by that stage.
That means Southgate, again on the assumption he is around for the next World Cup – needs to start choosing a successor for the Manchester United star, but it appears he already has one in mind.
The Daily Mail report that Harry Kane is being lined up as the national side’s next permanent skipper.
The Tottenham striker will be 25 by 2018 and is already his club’s vice-captain.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson is another contender, but it’s thought Kane is top of the list as Southgate has always been impressed by his leadership qualities, dating back to their time together with the England under-21s.
For now, the forward is hoping to prove his fitness for the Scotland game.
Kane made his return for Spurs on Sunday, scoring a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal after seven weeks out. The fact Southgate is already keen to start him could be an indication of his future reliance on him, and it’s hard to think of many better alternatives.
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