2018 World Cup: Harry Kane named England captain - reaction

Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have led the congratulations to Harry Kane after the Tottenham striker was named England’s captain for the 2018 Fifa World Cup.

England boss Gareth Southgate confirmed today that Kane would be his skipper for the tournament starting next month in Russia. Southgate praised Kane for his “personal qualities” and said the 24-year-old is ready to take on the challenge of leading his nation.

After meeting with the England squad today, Southgate told TheFA.com: “Harry has some outstanding personal qualities. He is 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 and that has been his drive.

“My feeling is that over the last 18 months in the camps that he’s been with us he has shown that he has got the desire to take that into a team environment and he recognises the importance of bringing others with him.

“Of course, Harry will need the support of the other good leaders that we have got around him. You don’t become a top team by just having a good captain with good values because that has got to spread right throughout the group but I think he is the one who is ready to take that challenge on.”

On being named skipper Kane tweeted that it was a “very proud day”. He said: “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.”

Former England strikers Shearer and Lineker, who were also national team captains, congratulated Kane on his appointment. Shearer tweeted: “Congratulations @HKane on being named @England captain for @FIFAWorldCup. No greater honour.” 

While Lineker added: “Congratulations to @HKane on being named @England captain for the World Cup. A much merited honour. Good luck.” 

How Twitter reacted to Kane being named England skipper:

“A much merited honour”.

“He’s one of our own”.

England’s youngest-ever World Cup captain.

NFL UK congratulate Kane...

...as does his Spurs team-mate Toby Alderweireld.