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What’s the rumour?
As per reports emerging from the Daily Star in England, Gareth Southgate has identified Harry Kane to be the man to lead The Three Lions at the 2018 FIFA World Cup this summer in Russia.
The striker is rumored to be favored over other senior players like Gary Cahill, Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier.
The Background
When Wayne Rooney announced his retirement from international football in August 2017, there were doubts about who would be an able candidate to lead the team. Gary Cahill was the obvious pick as he was the most experienced player in the squad. However, he has been out of form for the majority of this season and has also been reduced to a bench role at Chelsea.
A similar case can be accounted for Joe Hart as well. The goalkeeper is now second choice at West Ham and there are big question marks about his position in England's squad as well.
The heart of the matter
Ever since Bobby Moore led England to football's grandest prize in 1966, they have never been able to come even remotely close to achieving that feat again, except in 1990 when they were knocked out in the semi finals by West Germany in penalties. But the expectation has never ceased and every World Cup arrives with fresh hopes for the England contingent.
Wayne Rooney was expected to step down after the finals in Russia but decided to call it a day, to focus on his club career following his move back to Everton from Manchester United. Southgate has tinkered with the armband since, and in the fourteen games he has led the team, five different players have captained the side.
He has ultimately decided that Kane will lead England in Russia if reports are true. Southgate will announce England's squad for the friendlies against Netherlands and Italy next Thursday and we can expect a clearer picture then.
Rumour rating- 7/10
Kane has emerged as a serious contender and has also captained the team in the absence of Rooney. He is also England's best player currently and there is a very good chance that the rumours are true.
Author's take:
Although it is logical to captain an experienced player at such a big stage, Harry Kane may not be a bad choice. He has shown no signs of the fact that he is 24 years old and will be the central figure in England's exploits this summer. Experienced players like Cahill, Hart or even Henderson are not assured of a place in the starting XI and captaining Kane makes perfect sense.
