Spurs striker Kane gets first England call-up

Piece by: AFP
Exclusives

Tottenham Hotspur's breakthrough star Harry Kane was on Thursday awarded his first England call-up for the forthcoming 2016 European Championship qualifier against Lithuania and friendly against Italy.

A graduate of the Tottenham academy, 21-year-old Kane has scored 26 goals in 42 appearances this season, making him an obvious candidate for a place in England manager Roy Hodgson's squad for the double-header.

Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick returned to the 24-man squad, along with Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph and Spurs right-back Kyle Walker, but there were no first call-ups for Burnley striker Danny Ings or Queens Park Rangers forward Charlie Austin.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, made his return after missing England's last five matches through injury.

England are currently top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group E after winning their first four matches, six points clear of Slovenia, Switzerland and Lithuania.

They welcome Lithuania to Wembley on March 27 before tackling Italy at Juventus Stadium in Turin four days later.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling (all Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United), Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana (both Liverpool), James Milner (Manchester City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Theo Walcott (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Wayne Rooney (capt, Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal)

Photo Credits : AFP