Gary Lineker backs England skipper Harry Kane to shine at 2018 World Cup

Former England and Tottenham Hotspur striker Gary Lineker has backed current Three Lions skipper Harry Kane to deal with the pressure of leading his country into the 2018 World Cup.

Kane has already bagged 13 goals in 24 England caps and has since been installed as Gareth Southgate's captain ahead of next week's tournament in Russia, leading fellow England marksman Lineker to talk up the 24-year-old's ability to shine on the world stage.

"Harry is our talisman, you know he won't be scared of it, you know he deals with these sort of things and he will relish it," Lineker told PA.

"I am sure he will do well. Harry is one of the best strikers in the world, it is great that we have got him.

"Like all strikers he just needs to hit the form at the right time, you can never be sure in a major tournament because you need the team to play well."

Kane will lead England out in their first Group G match when they take on Tunisia at the Volgograd Arena on June 18.