Harry Kane is better than Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen, says England boss Gareth Southgate
Kane has now scored in EVERY game he has played as England skipper and Southgate believes he is the best striker he's played or managed for Three Lions
CAPTAIN fantastic Harry Kane was last night hailed England’s finest striker since Gary Lineker.
Gareth Southgate rates Kane - who scored the winner at LFF Stadium - up there with ex-team-mates Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen who starred during his 57-cap career.
He said: “Harry’s 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.”
Kane has now scored in EVERY game as England captain and staked his claim for the permanent role.
The Tottenham star is England’s top scorer in World Cup qualifying despite playing just six matches. And his incredible record for the calendar year is now at 43 goals.
Southgate says he will take time before announcing whether Kane has the armband on a permanent basis.
He said: “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 with the captain, but, again, I want to give myself time. What else would be right for the next couple of months if I didn't?”
On a plastic surface, Kane netted a first-half penalty in yesterday’s dead rubber – but it was a low-key finale to World Cup qualification.
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Kane said: "It wasn't a fantastic performance, it was a solid one.
“They did not create many chances, we had a few. It was a good way to finish with a win.
"Just a bit of quality was missing in the final third. Maybe not having shots when we did not need to, find passes.
"It was a difficult surface but we have to do better.”
Harry Winks’ debut was a standout performance on a night where England fans ironically sang ‘It’s like watching Brazil’.
Winks said: "It was like a dream. When he named the team this morning I didn't really believe him.
"The conditions were difficult with the pitch being astro turf and a hostile crowd. Lithuania are going to come out and give everything to try and beat us.
"But we were resilient and dug deep and played really well and won. That's all that matters.
"It was probably one of my favourite weeks in football."
Winks is now hoping to book a place at the World Cup next year.
He added: "I just have to play well for the club, I can't say anything else. I will keep training hard and it is out for my hands.
"Of course it is a dream to play at the World Cup, it is any player's dream. A lot can happen in that time. But I will take it one step at my time.”
