England's Hodgson: Harry Kane WILL get the call-up for March games against Lithuania and Italy

Three Lions manager confirms he thinks the Tottenham striking sensation is ready to join his senior squad after rattling in 23 goals already this season

Senior service: Kane has already appeared for England U21s - now for the full team

Roy Hodgson believes Harry Kane signals the start of a new era for his England team.

England manager Hodgson held court at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, and made it clear he will pick in-form Tottenham striker Kane next month in his Three Lionssquad to play a Euro 2016 qualifier with Lithuania and a friendly against Italy.

He also highlighted the form of Burnley’s Danny Ings and Spurs midfielder Ryan Mason, claiming a new generation of homegrown players is thriving in the Premier League.

His glowing praise for 21-year-old Kane also left no doubt he believes England have found a new centre-forward for the future.

Hodgson said: “Yes, he’s ready for England, in the sense that you have to qualify that by what you mean 'international'. Is he worth a place in the squad now? Of course he is.

“If the question's 'Is he worthy of a place like Wayne Rooney, Welbeck and Sturridge, whoever', well, that’s something he’ll have to prove. But unless I give him a chance in the squad he’ll never get a chance to prove that.

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My cup of tea: Hodgson told reporters Kane will be part of his next England squad

“Certainly, I like to think I do show a certain degree of loyalty to players who have been playing for a while and who I know I can trust. But I also like to think that I’m prepared to give someone a chance when he’s really showing with his current form that he’s worthy of a place with us.

“I think he’s got the qualities that you’re looking for in a centre forward, in the sense that he goes both ways, he can be a target player and receive balls that are played up to him.

“He’s not one who just stays on the shoulder and make runs, he’s quite prepared to take part in the build-up play, run the channels, receive the longer balls, fight with the centre halves but is also prepared to make those runs into the box.

“He’s good at attacking crosses, he’s good at making short runs to get played in. Really he combines everything that you’re looking for in a centre-forward.”

Kane has been a sensation with 23 goals for Spurs this season, and is now daring to dream of emulating the likes of Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney for England.