Former England striker Luther Blissett backs Harry Kane to thrive

Former England striker Luther Blissett is confident Harry Kane can thrive on his international debut and establish himself as England's attacking focal point.

Kane, 21, has struck 29 goals in all competitions for Tottenham this term and is hoping to start Friday's European Qualifier against Lithuania having been called up by Roy Hodgson for the first time.

Hodgson has been coy on whether Kane will start but Blissett, who was handed his England debut in 1982 during a season that saw him notch 27 league goals for Watford - and immediately announced himself on the international scene with a hat-trick against Luxembourg - has championed the Spurs striker's chances.

Blissett told The Morning View: "It's vital we get more of these young players and introduce them to the squad so we can introduce a way of playing that suits the players and the English style.

"The game doesn't work without players - you can have all the systems you want but players are ultimately what the game is all about.

"He's started the season in the most prolific manner. He's had a great season so far and you think there's going to be a dip but there hasn't been. He keeps scoring goals.

"Everyone is saying he looks like the real deal and I hope so. You need someone like that who can be a real leader at the top, who you know can score goals regularly for us.

He's good with the ball into his feet. He's good getting in behind also. He can wriggle round people. He can shoot off both feet and he can head the ball. Hopefully this is the man.

"He's good with the ball into his feet. He's good getting in behind also. He can wriggle around people. He can shoot off both feet and he can head the ball. Hopefully this is the man!

"It comes to the point where you don't even think about the job to do. You just enjoy it and drift into positions. It becomes instinctive. You train every day and your team-mates pick up on the runs you make and you don't have to say anything.

"You look back at the Spanish team that dominated for many years and they knew where each other were. There's no better feeling than not having to think about things and naturally knowing where your team-mates are going."

With Kane currently in unstoppable form, Blissett had words of wisdom for the youngster should the goals start to dry up.

The former Chelsea forward said: "When things start to go wrong, it's important to stick at it. It's sticking at the things that everybody knows you're good at. Sometimes you try and do more and that's when you create a problem for yourself. All you need is a half-chance or a deflection and you're back on that horse again."

Former West Ham defender Tony Gale echoed the warning but feels Kane is well equipped to cope, adding: "The most important thing is not when it's going well, it's how you handle it when it's going the other way.

"I was at Leicester last week and Harry didn't have a particularly good game in my eyes but all of a sudden he had a hat-trick!

"Things follow you about. When it starts to go wrong, it's how you handle it."

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