England defender Harry Maguire says Harry Kane is “probably the best striker in the world” ahead of the Three Lions’ upcoming friendlies.
Kane will miss England’s matches against the Netherlands and Italy after being ruled out until April with an ankle injury.
The striker limped off during Tottenham’s 4-1 Premier League win at Bournemouth earlier this month.
Spurs haven’t missed their talisman yet – they’ve scored seven goals in two games without him – but England almost certain will. Kane has scored six of England’s last nine away goals.
And Maguire, who has impressed in defence all season for Leicester, says the whole nation worried when Kane went down on the turf at Bournemouth.
“When he went down I am sure every England fan, every member of the England staff, every player wanted him to get back up,” Maguire told reporters (via Goal).
“Harry Kane is probably the best striker in the world. He is scoring frequently, getting the Golden Boot in the Premier League last couple of seasons and is up there again.
“I wish him a quick recovery and I hope he comes back firing goals from now until the end of the season and hopefully he will take that form into the World Cup. Hopefully it is good news and it is a speedy recovery.”
Maguire’s Leicester teammate Jamie Vardy is likely to lead the line against Holland on Friday night, potentially with Dele Alli drifting in behind him.
Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier and Eric Dier could also play a part either against the Netherlands or in Tuesday’s meeting with Italy.
Kane will almost certainly miss Tottenham’s trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea after the international break.
But if reports in Spain are to be believed, the 24-year-old will remain a Spurs player beyond the summer.
