Pochettino: Kane is able to rest

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is confident Harry Kane will get enough of a break this summer, but will not be able to give himself any time off.

The 30-goal striker has been included in England’s Under-21 squad for the European Championship in the Czech Republic which starts on June 17.

Spurs are set to travel to Malaysia next week and then Australia for a short post-season tour, which will leave Kane with little downtime ahead of an under-21 friendly against Belarus as tournament preparations step up for Gareth Southgate’s squad.

However Pochettino believes the club can help their star forward, whose form this season earned him a breakthrough into the senior squad, strike the right balance to see him return fresh for the new domestic campaign which will begin earlier than usual on August 8.

“We need to be positive with Harry, because it is the only way he can improve, get a good experience and use that in the future,” the Spurs boss said.

“It is very important for him to keep fit. If he stops training (ahead of the European Championship), it will be a very bad decision. He needs to keep working to maintain the level and the two games (on the club tour) are a good opportunity for him to go back (fit).

“The flights are very good, he can sleep in first class.”

Pochettino continued: “The international players all have different plans (for pre-season). We need to provide them with a good rest, because it is important. With Harry we need to wait to see if England arrive in the final (on June 30) or not and then to give him holidays.”

The 43-year-old Argentinian coach accepts it is almost impossible for him to get away from the demands of the manager’s job, even in the summer.

“Me? (A holiday? No). I need it, I know it. You know it and I know it,” said Pochettino, whose side head to Everton for their final Barclays Premier League match on Sunday aiming to secure European qualification.

“Maybe one week in Barcelona, but no more, because my younger son is in school.

“It is very difficult to stop thinking, it is very difficult and if you are on holiday, always on your phones, but it is my job.

“It is difficult for my family, but this is my passion and I chose my job.”