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Harry Kane will be included in England's next squad, says Gary Neville

Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his goal during the Barclays Premier League match v Arsenal
Image: Harry Kane: On the verge of England senior squad

Sky Sports expert Gary Neville has echoed Roy Hodgson's assertion that Tottenham striker Harry Kane will be included in England's next squad.

Live Capital One Cup Final

Neville, who is a member of the England coaching staff, says it would be impossible to ignore the 21-year-old who has been in scintillating form for the north London club this season.

Kane has scored 24 goals in all competitions so far, helping Mauricio Pochettino's side to within striking distance of qualification for next season's Champions League, as well as the Capital One Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

Neville insists Kane deserves his chance at senior level and barring injury, he is a shoo-in for the Three Lions' next European Championship qualifier against Lithuania at the end of March.

Sensational

I watched the game pre-Christmas against Everton and it transformed my appreciation of him.
Sky Sports' Gary Neville on Harry Kane

"You can't ignore the form he's been in," he told talkSPORT. "It's been a sensational season for him.

"I watched the game pre-Christmas against Everton and it transformed my appreciation of him.

"I saw he could go and attack defenders and run at them, he could go up with strong defenders and win balls, he could go back as a No 10 and be diligent defensively, win the ball back off people and counter-attack."

Neville acknowledged there could be conflict with club managers over potential senior England players such as Kane being selected for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in the Czech Republic this summer, but warned that England Under-21 coach Gareth Southgate will have the final say.

"(Kane) mentioned the Under-21s and I do think that benefits the first-team squad," he said. "Roy has been forthright and said Gareth will have the full squad and can select anyone he wants.

"I'm sure something will be sorted out – you're probably only talking about three or four players who've moved between the full squad and the 21s.

"But ultimately there's no confusion – if they're picked for England for a summer tournament they have to go, it's not optional."

Watch Chelsea v Tottenham in the Capital One Cup final live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 2.30pm on Sunday.

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