England head coach Roy Hodgson has called for rising star Harry Kane to be given time to establish himself on the full international stage.
The 21-year-old Tottenham Hotspur striker seems set to make his debut for the senior side against Lithuania in a Euro 2016 qualifier at Wembley on Friday, having netted 29 goals in all competitions for Spurs so far this season.
However, Hodgson is wary of placing too many expectations on his young charge, who has impressed at Under-21 level and who is 2.35 to be leading scorer in the Premier League this season.
He told reporters: “I do really hope people will have a more reasonable approach and say ‘let’s give this guy a chance. He is going to have some good and bad games and hopefully he will have 10 or 12 years in the Premier League and England matches in front of him.
“‘Let’s not build him up to the best thing we have ever had or a flop on the basis of a month or two or a couple of games or so’.”
Kane looks likely to start against Lithuania alongside captain Wayne Rooney, with Danny Welbeck the only other fit striker available to Hodgson following the withdrawal of Daniel Sturridge due to a hip problem.
England go into the game in a dominant position of Group E, having won four out of four to top the section by six points, with Lithuania, Slovenia and Switzerland all on six points after four matches.
The Three Lions are available at 1.05 to top Group E, as they aim to try and go on and win the European Championships for the first time.
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