Harry Kane can handle the burden of being England’s main striker at Euro 2016, says Kyle Walker

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Simon Johnson8 June 2016

Kyle Walker insists Harry Kane will handle the burden of being England’s main striker at Euro 2016.

While coach Roy Hodgson has a number of decisions to make over some members of the first team and the formation, Kane is certain to face Russia in England's opening game on Saturday.

It is a meteoric rise for the 22-year-old, who has only been a first team regular for Spurs in the last two seasons and made his international debut just 15 months ago.

But Kane has scored 64 goals for club and country since the last World Cup and Walker, his Tottenham and England team-mate, is confident he can star over the next month in France.

Walker told Standard Sport: "Harry isn't fazed about leading the line for England at all at the Euros and isn't feeling the pressure.

"He has been scoring goals for fun at Tottenham for the past two years and is used to having the responsibility of having to find the net for us.

"I am convinced he can do the same for England during the Euros and make the difference in games.

"I have known Harry for a long time having seen him come through the ranks at Tottenham and nothing seems to get to him.

"He has been looking good in training and is just excited to play in the first game like we all are."

In Pictures: Harry Kane Premier League goals 2015/16

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While Kane's presence in attack has led to optimism that Roy Hodgson's side can be a threat, the team's ability to defend against Europe's finest has come under scrutiny in several quarters.

England failed to impress in any of their three warm-up friendlies and kept just one clean sheet, however that was against a Portugal side who played with 10 men for nearly an hour due to Bruno Alves being sent off.

Walker, who like Kane is appearing in his first major Championships for England, feels the criticism of England's defenders is unjustified.

The 26-year-old right back said: "I think we are fine at the back. The defensive unit is not just the back four and the keeper. You can start your defending from up top - it's a team game. We attack and defend as a team.

"There are obviously a few improvements we want to make offensively and defensively, but we are putting that into motion now. Hopefully it will all go to plan during the Russia game."

With Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Danny Rose all consistently picked by Hodgson lately, there is a strong prospect that five Spurs players will start against Russia.

Walker said: "Of course it could help - it's good to look around and see people you're familiar with - the fact that you know their weaknesses and strengths and they know yours.

"This is my first senior tournament after missing the last two with injury. I am excited and just soaking up the atmosphere. I just hope it's a good one.

"I definitely don't feel like the established right back, that is up to the manager. Whether it's me or Nathaniel Clyne that starts, we are both ready for it and relish the opportunity to make the right back berth our own."

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