In Focus: England duty the perfect remedy for Kane's club concerns

Harry Kane returns to the England squad this week for the first time since missing a crucial penalty against France at the World Cup in Qatar.

The Three Lions skipper sent his spot-kick skywards in the dying minutes of the quarter-final clash to send domestic team-mate Hugo Lloris and Les Bleus through to the last four.

Since that miss last December, the Tottenham striker has suffered more heartache as his boyhood club were dumped out of the FA Cup and Champions League earlier this month.

With Antonio Conte publicly hounding his players as "selfish" in the aftermath of last Saturday's 3-3 draw at Southampton, Kane will be relieved to step away from club duty. 

Ahead of England's upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine, we turn the spotlight on Gareth Southgate's talisman.

Focus on the positives

Kane, 29, has seen his fair share of managers come and go at Spurs but his focus will be on helping the Three Lions kick off their qualifying campaign with back-to-back wins.

His missed penalty at the Al Bayt Stadium just before Christmas prevented him from becoming England's all-time top goalscorer but he will surpass Wayne Rooney with his next strike.

One more goal for the Three Lions would put Kane clear on 54 and provide a huge bout of relief for a man yet to lift a single trophy in his career.

He can still make this season one to remember through his international accolades rather than success in the Premier League.

Only Erling Haaland has scored more than Kane's 21 goals in the top flight this season and the marksman's personal form has not faltered despite the turmoil in North London.

Perfect timing

Pundit and ex-striker Stan Collymore is one of several professionals who have urged Kane to move on this summer.

Following Conte's recent outburst, the former Liverpool striker said: "The situation at Spurs is giving Kane the perfect excuse to leave in the summer.

"He’s never had an easier way out. Seriously, who is honestly going to begrudge him a move elsewhere now?

"This summer is going to be possibly his last opportunity to move on and go to a club that stands a real chance of winning some major silverware."

Nothing personal

Kane has had a role in most of the major finals Spurs have been in during the last decade but he has not been able to drag them across the line.

The 80-cap international was close to joining Manchester City two years ago but he was restrained by Daniel Levy and his protests had no effect on negotiations.

It now seems a similar situation may arise in the summer, with both Bayern Munich and Manchester United said to be keen on signing the London-born finisher.

Kane's contract is set to expire in 2024, which gives Levy one more year to obtain a significant fee if Spurs are to sell him.

Tottenham's vice-captain has always maintained he wants to win silverware with his current club but it seems an increasingly difficult task.

It seems Kane would be willing to depart if he has to. And under the current circumstances, it would be difficult for Spurs fans to hold a grudge if he were to leave.

On top of his game

Speculation has surrounded Kane for much of his career but one certainty about the marksman is that he is regarded as one of the best strikers in the world.

For all of the issues and defensive tactics under Conte this term, Kane has still been able to enjoy one of his best-ever campaigns.

In the Premier League this season, no other player has recorded more shots (100) or shots on target (46) than him. 

He has also created nine big chances in the top flight, with only 10 others tallying more than the 6ft 1in hotshot.

So while his future remains unclear, Kane can take comfort in knowing he can still perform at a top level, even in difficult circumstances.