Sunday 12 March 2017 18:22, UK
Tottenham's prolific striker Harry Kane should be the focal point of England teams for years to come.
That's the suggestion of the Daily Telegraph's Football Correspondent Matt Law, who also believes Kane is a serious contender for the England captaincy.
The 23-year-old has continued his insatiable form in front of goal for the third successive season and is joint-top of the Premier League scoring charts with 19 goals.
And Law believes the time has come for England to start reaping the rewards of Kane's devastating form on the international stage.
"Harry Kane is one of the most under-appreciated players in the country," Law told the Sunday Supplement.
"His goal record in absolutely phenomenal and he's carried that over three seasons, not just one.
"Yet people still argue that he is not top class, that he only scores tap-ins or penalties. It is absolute nonsense.
"We talk about building a team around someone and I think Kane should be that player. He is absolutely brilliant.
"I know he doesn't initiate attacks but he's got to be No.1 striker and there's an argument to make him captain."
John Cross of the Daily Mirror echoed Law's claim, insisting he would inspire future generations were he to be handed the armband.
"Kane is a great leader," he added. "We seem to find reasons why he is scoring goals rather than appreciating his incredible, prolific form.
"He is a terrific player and a great example for the younger England players to aspire to."
With England boss Gareth Southgate set to announce his squad for the forthcoming friendly with Germany and World Cup Qualifier with Lithuania, questions marks hang over current captain Wayne Rooney's involvement.
Cross feels England's all-time leading scorer should not be omitted, but believes his long-term position may be under threat if he continues to play a peripherial role at Manchester United.
"You cannot overlook Rooney, he's the record goalscorer for club and country," Cross added. "But if he is not playing for United I do think you have to make the decision.
"If he goes to Everton in the summer, instead of going abroad, then he may be able to reinvent himself playing regularly.
"I think Rooney has to have a place in the England squad."
