Tottenham striker Harry Kane will make his first England start in Tuesday's friendly against Italy, lining up alongside captain Wayne Rooney.
The 21-year-old, who has scored 29 goals for Spurs this season, found the net just 79 seconds after coming on for his debut in Friday's 4-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Lithuania.
"Harry deserves his chance," said England coach Roy Hodgson.
"This is a chance for some of the squad players to show they are good enough."
Kane has scored eight goals in 10 appearances for England Under-21s and may play for Gareth Southgate's side in their European Championship in the Czech Republic this summer.
Manchester United forward Rooney, meanwhile, is just two goals away from equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time England scoring record of 49 after heading England's first in their victory over Lithuania.
While Hodgson refused to be drawn on the rest of his line-up, Italy counterpart Antonio Conte has named a starting XI with only defender Giorgio Chiellini surviving from the team that beat England in their World Cup opener in June.
Southampton striker Graziano Pelle is included, with Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon starting at his club's home ground.
Italy are unbeaten since the World Cup, but needed an 84th-minute goal from Sampdoria's Eder to draw 2-2 with Bulgaria on Saturday.
England are without forward Danny Welbeck, midfielders Raheem Sterling and James Milner and defender Leighton Baines.
Southampton's Ryan Bertrand could win his third cap after being called up as cover at left-back.
No comments:
Post a Comment