Tuesday 22 May 2018 20:23, UK
Harry Kane is England's captain at the World Cup, winning a two-man battle for the armband with Jordan Henderson. In the end, it came down to the first man on the teamsheet.
"He's the obvious choice," one former England international told us at St George's Park. "He's England's best player, the only world class player, it had to be him."
With the title comes great responsibility. As figurehead of the side, Kane will face more time in front of the cameras, an increased number of media interviews and be the man disgruntled referees go to to tell the players to calm down.
"It is an amazing honour. You always dream of playing for England growing up and to be the captain is that little bit more," said the Spurs striker.
"I'm so excited for the World Cup. I can't wait to be there and experience it. To be leading the lads out is going to be special.
"But for me, nothing changes. I'm still the person, the same player. It is just about the team. We will do what we can and go as far as we can."
Kane first captained England last June when he scored a last-minute equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw in that dramatic World Cup Qualifier against Scotland.
The equaliser was one of five goals he has scored in his four games with the armband, while the team have only lost once in that time.
But don't think Jordan Henderson will fade into the background.
The Liverpool skipper is often seen as a leader by Southgate's side during training sessions and is the first person to offer guidance on the pitch. He may not have the armband but his leadership will be vital to England's game-plan.
But Henderson's place in the side isn't guaranteed. He may line up alongside Eric Dier in midfield but a big question for Southgate is whether he needs two holding midfielders against Tunisia and Belgium.
Dier could drop back into the back three but if he doesn't, then Henderson may start the World Cup on the bench, not ideal for a captain.
When asked about captaincy, Kane is always quick to mention his club skipper Hugo Lloris, who will lead France this summer. Being England captain had been a publicly stated aim by Kane, something Lloris has previously thrown his weight behind.
"I can only talk positively about Harry. He's a great leader with Tottenham, he's a great man and he's a great player," Lloris told reporters last year.
"Obviously his destiny is to be one of the best strikers for England and hopefully he will get success with the armband."
Now England fans will be hoping the same.
