Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane backed to be the next England captain by manager Mauricio Pochettino

  • Ex-England captain Wayne Rooney decided to retire from international football
  • England have played five times without him and the armband has been shared
  • Harry Kane is the only player to wear it twice, including in the draw with Scotland

Mauricio Pochettino has backed Tottenham Hotspur's star striker Harry Kane to become England's new captain.

Former captain Wayne Rooney announced his decision to retire from international football on Wednesday, despite manager Gareth Southgate's intentions to recall the Everton striker.

Since Rooney was dropped by Southgate, due to a disappointing previous season at Manchester United, England have played five times and the captain's armband has been shared between Jordan Henderson, Gary Cahill, Joe Hart and Kane, who is the only player to wear it twice.

Mauricio Pochettino has backed Tottenham  star  Harry Kane to become England¿s new captain

Mauricio Pochettino has backed Tottenham star Harry Kane to become England's new captain

Kane, 24, has scored eight goals in 19 games for England since 2015 and is a leading figure

Kane, 24, has scored eight goals in 19 games for England since 2015 and is a leading figure

Ex-captain Wayne Rooney has announced his decision to retire from international football

Ex-captain Wayne Rooney has announced his decision to retire from international football

Kane, 24, has scored eight goals in 19 appearances for England since 2015 and has established himself as one of the leading figures in the side.


'It is Gareth Southgate's decision,' Spurs manager Pochettino said, 'but I think Harry Kane is ready and his character is fantastic to be a captain. 

'It is not my decision but if that happened, I would be very happy if the decision of Gareth Southgate were to give the armband to Harry.'

Kane has captained England twice in the last five games, including the draw against Scotland

Kane has captained England twice in the last five games, including the draw against Scotland

Rooney, 31, who scored 53 times in 119 appearances for England, said this week: 'Every time I was selected was a real privilege but I believe now is the time to bow out. It was great Gareth Southgate called me this week to tell me he wanted me back in the England squad for the upcoming matches. I really appreciated that.

'However, having already thought long and hard, I told Gareth that I had now decided to retire for good from international football.

'It is a really tough decision and one I have discussed with my family, my manager at Everton and those closest to me.'