Harry Kane sends 'desperate' plea to Gareth Southgate ahead of England decider

Harry Kane has begged Gareth Southgate to play him against San Marino as he is desperate to chase down more goal records.

England captain Kane is now joint fourth with Jimmy Greaves in the all time scorers list with 44, just nine behind record holder Wayne Rooney.

Kane has scored 12 goals for his country in 2021 and no player has ever netted more in a calendar year with George Hilsdon in 1908, Dixie Dean in 1927 and Kane himself in 2019 also previously reaching that figure.

Three Lions boss Southgate revealed that Kane has already reminded him that he has not started in either of the Andorra games and was left on the bench for the 5-0 thrashing of San Marino at Wembley in March.

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This is a chance for Kane to boost his goal tally against the team ranked 210th by FIFA and officially the worst in world football. Southgate will ring the changes but Kane is desperate to play with England set to clinch World Cup qualification..

Southgate said: "For sure, he is keen to play. He wants to play. We have got to make sure we get this game won and we still have to try to qualify for the World Cup.

"He's been quick to let me know he hasn't played in those games. There is a balance of players who have been important squad members for us and we have to make sure we repay that.

"But equally, we want to make sure that the team we start with tomorrow, is a statement that we're here to do business, that we're taking this very seriously, we're not qualified yet.

"We want a strong performance, we've got thousands of England fans travelling and we must put on a performance that underlines all of the facts I've just spoken about."

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Southgate also revealed that he wants to build on the successes of 2021 and has got his eyes on a record of his own - which may just appeal to him as he looks to disprove the theory he is a defensive coach.

He added: "The mentality has been good. That is why in 90 minutes and extra time, we haven't been beaten. That is a record we want to keep building on.

"We have got the best defensive record in Europe, in terms of goals to games. We are fourth in terms of goals scored and chances created. It is a good challenge to try and improve on it tomorrow."