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Harry Kane hailed as world class by England team-mate Adam Lallana

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 22:  Harry Kane of England celebrates with Jamie Vardy of England after he scored the opening goal during the International Frien
Image: Adam Lallana has heaped praise on England team-mate Harry Kane

Adam Lallana believes England's Harry Kane is "one of the best players in the world".

Hampden Park will witness the latest chapter in the Tottenham striker's fairy-tale rise after Gareth Southgate confirmed the 23-year-old as captain for Saturday's crunch World Cup qualifier against Scotland.

It is a momentous occasion for a player in the best form of his career, with an explosive end to the campaign seeing him wrap up the Golden Boot for the second successive season.

Lallana believes there are few better players in the world right now and that Kane is a deserving recipient of the captain's armband in Glasgow.

"I am absolutely delighted for Harry," the Liverpool attacking midfielder said.

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"I've been so impressed with him, having played against him at Tottenham and played with him for my country.

"I think this season he's demonstrated once again why he is one of the best players in the world.

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"I think his form towards the end of the season was one of the best players in the world and he's still only 23, so he's still young and I'm sure he's still got a lot of learning to do.

"But him being the captain tomorrow, if selected and I can play with him then it will be a great honour to walk out behind him."

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - JUNE 09:  Gareth Southgate manager of England and Harry Kane of England in discussion during an England training session on th
Image: Kane will captain England in their World Cup Qualifier against Scotland

Lallana faced the media on the eve of the match and the former Southampton captain showed no frustration at being overlooked for the role himself.

"The boss has made it clear he wants leaders in the group," he said. "I feel like I'm a leader.

"I feel like we've got a lot of leaders in this group and I feel if we want to move forward as a team then we need to develop leaders and the younger they are the better."

Lallana has certainly led by example for England, producing a man-of-the-match display in November's 3-0 win against Scotland at Wembley.

History of Eng-Scot football rivalry
History of Eng-Scot football rivalry

In 145 years of competition, England have never been more dominant in their football rivalry with Scotland as they are now.

The 29-year-old was not being drawn into the debate on which country this match meant more to, with his only focus on tightening their grip on the Group F summit.

"It is going to be a great atmosphere but one I am sure me and the lads will thrive off," Lallana said.

"I was lucky enough to play in the game a couple of years ago when we won 3-1 and the game at Wembley was good as well, a convincing 3-0 win.

"But each game is different. We feel like we are as ready as ever and we're looking for three points to finish off our season nicely."

 Adam Lallana
Image: Lallana is relishing England's clash at Hampden Park

England went for a walk around at Hampden Park ahead of the match, having trained at St George's Park before travelling north of the border.

Such preparations are far more orthodox than the Royal Marines camp the players were whisked away on at the start of the international break.

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"It was an eye-opening experience for us and we learned a lot from each other and had to trust each other in different activities," Lallana said.

"It was great to camp in a tent - I hadn't done that in a while - and I took a lot from it. It was refreshing not to have our homes for a couple of days, a lot of interaction."

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