The decree has been issued, the beacons lit and the ancient blood ritual performed: Harry Kane is the new England captain.
Gareth Southgate informed the Tottenham striker that he will be Three Lions skipper for the first four games of the World Cup at a team meeting at St George’s Park on Monday.
Explaining his decision, Southgate said:
Harry has some outstanding personal qualities. He’s a meticulous professional and one of the most important things for a captain is that they set the standard every day.
He has belief and high standards and it is a great message for the team to have a captain who has shown that it is possible to be one of the best in the world over a consistent period of time.
Apparently it was a straight choice between Kane and Jordan Henderson, such is the state of play.
A very proud day. It means a lot to me to be named @England captain. A massive thanks to family, friends and fans who have supported me through thick and thin. 🦁🦁🦁 #EnglandCaptain #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/afncNkoVnd
— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 22, 2018