Kieran Trippier has backed Harry Kane to thrive as England captain.
Gareth Southgate named the 24-year-old as his permanent skipper on Wednesday , making him the youngest England player to take the armband at a World Cup finals.
There have been concerns in some quarters that the responsibility could be an unnecessary burden on a player who has looked jaded at past tournaments and struggled to find his best form in the final weeks of the domestic season at Tottenham after returning from an ankle ligament injury.
Kane revealed last night that he has known about Southgate’s decision since England’s last get-together in March but only told his close family and upon learning the news, Trippier insisted his Spurs team-mate is the perfect candidate to take the role.
“I didn’t know anything about it,” he said. “H is a top professional, on and off the field. He helps all the youngsters out at Tottenham, and us. He’s a real leader, all the boys know that and I couldn’t be happier for him.
“I didn’t know anything about it,” he said. “H is a top professional, on and off the field. He helps all the youngsters out at Tottenham, and us. He’s a real leader, all the boys know that and I couldn’t be happier for him.
“He’s got that fire inside him like everybody. He’s not the one to talk bad about people off the field. He’s just a top lad, top professional and I couldn’t be any happier and I think the lads are as well.
“He speaks, he’s not afraid to say anything. On the pitch he helps people which is most important. We’ve got leaders all the way around the dressing room, everyone’s a leader. Everyone will help each other out – that’s the most important thing.
“H sets high standards, which all the other players do as well. We can all help each other along the way and that’s all you need.”