Kane gets chance to prove he’s able for England

Tottenham striker Harry Kane has been called up to the England squad

Kane’s return of 26 goals in 42 matches has earned him a place in the 24-man party for England’s upcoming internationals against Lithuania and Italy.

Daniel Sturridge, Fabian Delph and Kyle Walker were named in the squad, which was announced on Thursday lunchtime at Wembley, but there was no place for Danny Ings, Ryan Mason or Charlie Austin.

Kane has 10 Under-21 caps to his name, but now he will get a chance to prove himself at full international level after being named in the squad for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley on March 27 and the friendly in Turin four days later.

Hodgson expressed his delight at the form of 21-year-old Kane in a briefing last month so it came as no surprise to see the forward’s name on the squad list when it was published on Thursday.

The exclusion of Ings, Mason and 15-goal striker Charlie Austin came as something of a surprise as Hodgson had been expected to include more uncapped players in the party.