England captain Harry Kane has spoken about Middlesbrough striker Will Lankshear’s impressive season and, amid increasing discussion over a possible senior England call-up, urged people not to put too much pressure on the young forward.
Lankshear’s prolific start at Middlesbrough
Will Lankshear has made a strong impact at Middlesbrough this season after his summer move from Tottenham, scoring 13 goals in 13 league games. Kane said it has been difficult to avoid hearing about Lankshear’s form and praised his performances at Middlesbrough. Kane said: "I wouldn’t say I have followed his whole career but obviously this season it has been hard not to hear about him and he has done extremely well at Middlesbrough."
Impressions from Tottenham and goalscoring instinct
Lankshear is 21 years old, and Kane referred to feedback from a coach who worked with him in Tottenham’s younger age groups. Kane said: "I spoke to a friend who coached him here at Tottenham at the younger age groups who said he is a goalscorer."
Kane highlighted Lankshear’s natural eye for goal while noting he is still at an early stage of his development. Kane said: "He has that goalscoring instinct. He’s still early in his development."
Kane calls for reduced pressure on Lankshear
With Lankshear’s scoring run fuelling debate over whether he should be called up to the senior England side, Kane made clear that now is not the moment to heap pressure on him. Kane said: "Whether he comes into the senior England side is down to Thomas Tuchel. It’s not a time to put too much pressure on him."
Kane has played down suggestions that Lankshear should already be viewed as a potential successor to him for England, and he noted the volume of discussion around who might replace him in future. Kane said: "There’s a lot of talk about who is going to replace me when I’m not here anymore."
Kane stressed that Lankshear should be allowed to continue on his current trajectory. Kane said: "Just let him do what he is doing and I think it is great for his development. He’s doing really well."
Development environment and England prospects
Kane believes Lankshear is currently in the right environment to keep progressing by playing regularly and building confidence, and he described the present situation as ideal for the striker. Kane said: "I think what he is doing right now is perfect for him, playing loads of games, scoring goals, getting confidence."
Kane added that over time he is confident Lankshear will move along the right path towards an opportunity. Kane said: "As the time goes on, I’m sure he will be on the right path to get his chance."
Looking ahead to the possibility of Lankshear breaking into the senior England team, Kane said he would welcome the chance to work with him. Kane said: "If he does make it into the senior team it would be great to work with him and try and help him develop as a player."
