Cahill and Carrick back Kane for England start against Lithuania
Tuesday 24 March 2015 17:37, UK
Harry Kane is ready to start for England after his first senior call-up, according to defender Gary Cahill.
Tottenham striker Kane has scored 29 goals in all competitions so far this season, and fellow England squad member Cahill is adamant he will not let his country down at full international level.
"We've got four top strikers here, all chomping at the bit to play," said Chelsea's Cahill. "I'm sure Harry feels that he's ready to play but that's up to the manager.
"And to score a hat-trick leading up to his first England meet-up is ideal.
"His confidence must be sky-high at the minute, and he's had a terrific season."
Kane's second treble of the campaign came in Spurs' 4-3 Premier League win over Leicester on Saturday, and Cahill was part of the Chelsea team beaten 5-3 at White Hart Lane on New Year's Day when Kane scored twice.
Cahill said: "I've played against Harry three times this season and he's a real handful.
Euro 2016 Qualifiers
"He's a fantastic talent. He can run in behind, he can hold the ball up, he's got two good feet. For me, he's got all the attributes."
England face Lithuania in a European Qualifier at Wembley on Friday before playing a friendly against Italy in Turin on Tuesday.
Cahill does not believe that Kane would, or should, turn down the opportunity if selected in the England under-21 squad for this summer's European Championship in the Czech Republic - despite now having a taste of being part of Roy Hodgson's senior squad.
"When you're asked to go and play for England - whether it's the seniors or the under-21s - if you're English you want to play," said Cahill, himself a former England under-21.
"It's a simple as that. I'm sure Harry's no different. Whatever's decided at that time, I'm sure he'll accept."
England midfielder Michael Carrick agrees that Kane fully warrants his promotion to the full squad.
"The progress that's Harry made has been sensational, right from the start of the season," said Carrick. "He's gone up two or three levels.
"As the spotlight's grown and expectations have grown with it, he seems to have grown and his performances have improved, and that's a really good sign.
"It by no means looks like this is a one-off season - he looks like the real deal and I'm sure he's got a big, big future ahead of him."
It by no means looks like this is a one-off season - he looks like the real deal
Carrick has again been named in the England party after having to withdraw from Hodgson's squad in November for the matches against Slovenia and Scotland because of a groin injury.
He said: "It was very frustrating last time to sit out those two games but that's something you've just got to deal with.
"I'm just happy to be part of it, and make the most of it because it's a special thing to be involved and I'm very grateful for that."
England have started their European Qualifiers campaign with a 100% record with four wins following a group-stage exit at the World Cup in Brazil.
And Carrick, who was left out of England's World Cup squad by Hodgson, has been impressed with the squad's response.
"There's been a big improvement. We all know the World Cup didn't work out as well as we had all hoped," said Carrick.
"But credit to the manager, his staff and the squad for putting the run together and bouncing straight back. There's really positive feelings around the squad."
