England debut a sure thing for Kane

At the final whistle of one of the most intense North London Derbies in years, the Tottenham Hotspur players all ran to Harry Kane, saluting their two-goal match-winner, sharing the blissful moment as his name was sung by jubilant supporters, many wearing Citizen Kane T-shirts. He is two-one of their own.

This performance carried more than local impact — this carried national relevance. After barnstorming displays like this, Kane’s elevation from England’s Under-21 team to seniors is perceived as only a matter of time.

The bandwagon for Kane to be picked in Roy Hodgson’s squad for the March 27 home game against Lithuania is already rolling from White Hart Lane along North Circular Road, hurtling towards Wembley and threatening to flatten legitimate quibbles en route.

Amid the inevitable media frenzy at the first sign of homegrown promise, Hodgson needs a clear mind to consider what is best for the player’s long-term development.

A strong argument exists that Kane should first complete the Under-21 side’s tour of duty with this summer’s European Championships in the Czech Republic to gain tournament experience, learn how to deal with the boring down-time between games and build bonds with the likes of Saido Berahino, which will serve the seniors well in the future.

If Kane is capped next month, then continues with a draining season for Spurs, a debate will inevitably ensue about the dangers of over-playing and whether he should head to the Euros, which may mean his season running until June 30.

Kane is known to want to attend the Euros, having worked so hard in qualifying, scoring six times in eight games with two assists.

Gareth Southgate wants him to travel and Hodgson has remarked consistently that the Under-21s’ head coach can pick who he wants.

A further sub-plot presents itself with Southgate considered a strong candidate to manage England when the World Cup cycle begins after Euro 2016, assuming the Football Association does not offer Hodgson a new deal.

Hodgson was among the 35,659 here. As auditions go, Kane breezed it, scoring twice and terrorising Arsenal’s defence.

Arsenal’s manager Arsene Wenger emerged from his gloom for long enough to joke that England had better be quick to pick Kane, otherwise, “somebody else will offer him a passport”.

Kane’s father was born in Galway and Hodgson would have to act fast if the Republic of Ireland shows any interest. Kane has always indicated that his path lies with England.

It will happen, sooner or later. His abilities demand selection. This game was so important for Kane; these two goals so significant in enhancing his reputation.

Of his previous 20 goals, Kane’s most high-profile ones have involved bullying Chelsea’s John Terry and particularly Gary Cahill in scoring twice in the 5-3 win at White Hart Lane on New Year’s Day. His other goals this season have come against less accomplished defences.

But this was different. Arsenal arrived at the Lane not having yielded a goal in 304 minutes in the Premier League. Taking on Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker was a step up for Kane, especially with David Ospina in goal.

Kane’s movement is intelligent, looking to run in behind, dropping deep to collect the ball or drifting left to elude markers, a habit that allows Christian Eriksen to glide inside.

It has been a good few days with his signing of a new long-term contract, lifting his wages from £20,000 (S$41,000) a week to roughly £40,000, and his NFL team, the New England Patriots, winning the Super Bowl.

England beckons — sooner or later. At 21, Kane has come of age. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Henry Winter is The Daily Telegraph’s football correspondent.

English Premier League’s other result: Burnley 2 West Brom 2