Hodgson: Kane Will Start Against Italy

The 21-year-old will partner captain Wayne Rooney in attack in Turin and his manager believes he “deserves his chance” after a prolific season for Tottenham

Roy Hodgson has confirmed Harry Kane will start for England against Italy in Tuesday’s international friendly in Turin.

The Tottenham striker made a dream debut for the Three Lions in Friday’s 4-0 win over Lithuania at Wembley after coming on as a second-half substitute and scoring within 79 seconds of his arrival.

England will be missing several key players for the game against Antonio Conte’s side with Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge all out through injury, allowing Kane to make his full debut.

“I’m available [to name my starting line-up] but I won’t,” Hodgson told reporters. “Harry Kane will make his full debut and Wayne Rooney will captain the side.

“It is a time to experiment and look at other players. But you will have to wait until the game tomorrow to see my team.

“All friendly matches during qualification allow you to see where players are. It’s an opportunity for players to impress both managers.

“It’ll be nice to see Kane and Rooney playing together from the start. Harry deserves his chance. We are taking the game seriously.”

Captain Rooney was also quick to praise the 21-year-old who is the Premier League’s joint top scorer so far this season with 19 goals.

“It’s exciting for English football that Kane’s doing fantastically in Premier League,” said Rooney. “Hopefully that form continues in the England team.”