England Supporters Club

Neville: 'Kane hard to ignore'

Posted by Team England at 15:37 on Thursday 26 February 2015

Gary Neville claims Harry Kane's breakthrough season at Tottenham Hotspur proves English players can shine at the highest level – if they are given the right opportunity.

Three Lions coach Neville spoke to TalkSport's Adrian Durham in a wide-ranging interview this evening, with one of the topics discussed being the progress of a number of the country's brightest prospects.

Kane's scintillating form has seen him score 24 goals in all competitions for Spurs this season and national boss Roy Hodgson has hinted the England Under-21 striker is in line for a senior call up against Lithuania next month.

And former Manchester United hero Neville said: “It’s Roy’s decision, but he has been quoted recently as saying that if he stays fit then he is pretty sure he will be in the next squad.

“You can’t ignore the form he has been in – it’s been a sensational season for him. You always wait when a younger player has a good two month period to see if they dip, but he hasn’t done that now for a long period of time and that’s a credit to him. He’s proved it over a long period of time.” Although a senior England debut may not be far off for 21-year-old Kane, Neville was quick to add how important playing in the European U21s Championship this summer would be for the youngster long-term.

He added: “It helps these young lads when they get tournament experience away from the real spotlight that exists in a World Cup and European Championship with the seniors – though there will be pressure with the U21s.

“It will benefit the first team squad and Roy has been quite forthright that [U21 manager] Gareth Southgate will be able to select anybody he wants for the tournament.”

Although Kane has quickly rocketed into the headlines this season, other English youngsters have been under more scrutiny according to Neville.

“Look at someone like Harry Kane and it’s very interesting. He has come through in a different way to Ross Barkley in that he has almost been able to develop and remove his inconsistencies away from the radar and from the glare,” explained Neville.

“Ross came into Everton when they had a fantastic team last year – he was wonderful and got into the World Cup squad.