Southampton defender Ryan Bertrand has backed Harry Kane to succeed Wayne Rooney as the next permanent England captain according to ESPN.
Harry was given the armband for England’s games against France and Scotland earlier this year however Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson was captain for the victories over Slovakia and Malta.
Gareth Southgate is yet to appoint a permanent successor to Rooney but a decision is expected before next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
“[The captiancy] is completely down to the manager. ‘H’ [Harry Kane] gets my vote,” Bertrand said. “He is in great form. Him coming to the England camp in such fine form is a massive boost for the whole squad.
“What we are blessed with is we have a lot of leaders in the camp now and whoever is tasked with that duty on the night is deserving of that.”
Southgate’s charges look to secure qualification for the World Cup in Russia this month as they face a double-header against Slovenia and Lithuania, and could seal their spot in front of the Wembley faithful on Thursday.
“It’s not over, we are very much of a positive mindset. The work isn’t finished and we will try to get the six points,” Bertrand said. “All games internationally are tough. Slovenia will need the points but we need points as well.”
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Dele Alli however is serving a one-match ban following a gesture he made in the win over Slovakia last month and misses out.
But Bertrand reckons there is enough depth to cover the Dele’s loss.
“Dele is a fantastic player, he would definitely be one on the team sheet that the opposition highlights and wants to lockdown, so that will be a miss,” he said. “But as a nation we are blessed with amazing talent and I’m sure whoever comes in in place of him will do an amazing job.”
The behaviour of international sportsmen and women has been brought into the spotlight lately.
Asked of the pressures of playing and living in the limelight, Bertrand added: “It comes with the game. Once you make that pledge to commit, you have to live by it. We are aware of our responsibilities 24/7.
“It is a way of life. You are not just representing yourself but your club and country and there’s great pressure.”
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