Fabio Capello brands Harry Kane ‘one of the greatest forwards of all time’

Former England manager Fabio Capello has called current Three Lions captain Harry Kane one of the greatest strikers of all time.

England are gearing up for Italy and Germany in the final international spell before the World Cup, a period in which Kane could become his country’s all-time top goalscorer with the Tottenham forward currently just three goals behind current record holder Wayne Rooney.

Capello, in conversation with air sportssaid Kane is ‘England’s most important player’ because of how often he is involved in building his squad after recognizing the 29-year-old’s quality.

Kane is just three international goals away from England, record scorer Wayne Rooney

When asked if Kane is one of the great strikers the game has ever seen, Capello said: “I think so. He is lucky enough to be coached by [Antonio] Conte, who helped him improve.

“Kane doesn’t just wait for the ball. Now he descends and is involved in the build-up. He is a player who scores goals and gets assists.

“Look at the greats, like the Brazilian Ronaldo. He didn’t get many assists, he just scored goals. Kane is a player who is involved in the build-up and he is often the player who gets an assist and sets up his teammates. I think he is the most important player in England.’

Capello, now 73, was England head coach for just over four years between 2007 and 2012.

England will face Iran on November 21 in their opening game of the World Cup, which will be held for the first time in winter due to the extreme summer temperatures in host country Qatar.

Capello, who led the Three Lions between 2007 and 2012, suggested the squad is more likely to succeed at the World Cup in Qatar as it takes place during the season.

“I’m really interested to see who comes out on top at the World Cup in Qatar,” he said.

“When I coached the team as a former England manager in September, October and November, we were ready to take on the best teams in the world. In March and April it was so-so because the physical level dropped and then we found it very tough in June.

Gareth Southgate’s side kicks off their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21

“I want to test my theory that England are a great team at this time of year, so besides talented players and a top coach can they be really competitive and win a big tournament like the World Cup?”

Gareth Southgate’s side will be one of the favorites to win the competition after reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and the final of Euro 2020.

They will face Italy in Milan on Friday and face Germany on Monday in their last two games before the tournament starts.