Harry Kane named England 2018 World Cup captain

England confirmed the news on their Twitter account on Tuesday morning.

The 24-year-old striker scored 41 goals in 48 appearances for Spurs this season, and has 12 goals in 23 appearances for the national side.

England boss Gareth Southgate explained his decision, praising Kane:

"He is a meticulous professional & one of the most important things for a captain is that they set the standard every day... I think he is the one who is ready to take that challenge on.”

"Now is a moment in his life where he is prepared to bring that into the team environment."

Kane, who first captained England in a World Cup qualifier against Scotland last year, said it was a "massive honour".

"I'm very excited for the World Cup, can't wait," he said. "Leading the lads out is going to be special."

England face Tunisia, Panama and Belgium at the World Cup in which they will send their third-youngest squad to a major tournament, with an average age of 26.

He will have some experience around him, however, such as Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson and Chelsea's Gary Cahill

"Harry will need the support of the other good leaders we've got around him," Southgate said.

"You don't become a top team by just having a good captain with good values. That has to spread right throughout the group but I think he's the one ready to take that challenge on."