Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Michael Carrick believes Harry Kane is the real deal after playing with the striker in England training.

Kane, 21, was the only new face originally named in Roy Hodgson's England squad for a 2016 European Championships qualifier against Lithuania and a friendly with Italy.

Spurs pair Ryan Mason and Danny Rose have since been added but all the talk has been about Kane's inclusion.

Speaking after training, Carrick, now of Manchester United, said: "I think the progress he has made has been sensational from the start of the season to the level that he is at now.

"He has gone up two or three levels and the thing that has impressed me most about him is that as the spotlight has grown and expectations have grown he has grown and his performances have improved and improved and that is a really good sign.

"It by no means looks like this is a one off season. He looks like the real deal. I am sure he has a big big future ahead of him."

Kane has 29 goals in all competitions this season and is the Premier League's joint-top goalscorer along with Chelsea's Diego Costa.

And Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, who was given a torrid time as Kane scored twice in Spurs' 5-3 victory over the Blues at White Hart Lane in January, echoed Carrick's sentiments.

The defender enthused: "He’s been a real handful every time I’ve played against him. He’s a fantastic talent, not just holding the ball up but running in behind defenders. For me he’s got all the attributes a striker needs.

"He scored a hat-trick just before his first meet-up with the England team is ideal so his confidence will be sky high. He’s still a young boy and it’s his first time in the squad. It’s always a bit daunting."