Southgate handed Kane's backing in passionate defence from England skipper

Harry Kane has launched a passionate defence of Gareth Southgate and told the critics to look at his record.

Three Lions boss Southgate warned he "would not outstay his welcome" after being on the receiving end of stick after a disappointing Nations League campaign, including from TV pundit Gary Lineker who called him "overly cautious."

But England captain Kane insisted that Southgate is still the man to lead the nation forward having already reached the World Cup semi final and Euros final during his six years in charge.

Kane said: "I think we have been one of the most successful England teams in the past 50 years or so. So I think we are definitely on the right track.

"I can't speak highly enough of Gareth. Gareth is a fantastic manager, a fantastic person and we are all really looking forward to being with each other for another major tournament.

"I had him with the 21s and then obviously since he's been with the senior team and I think he really understands what the England team needs to be successful.

"We spoke about the togetherness within the squad and their families in terms of major tournaments, because I think it is difficult when you're away for a long period of time, to have that switch off.

"I feel like we've created a really good family here and we have a good connection with the fans, which is what we didn't have probably six years ago at that Euros.

"I think if you look at where we were in 2016 compared to where we are now, we've made massive improvements and strides. We've knocked down a lot of hurdles in major tournaments by doing stuff and England team hasn't done for a long long time.

"We'll keep trying to improve and making the country proud. I think we've done that and we all have that major hunger and desire to win a major tournament. I think it's still a good possibility."

Kane, who is just three behind Wayne Rooney 's England goals record, admits the Nations League campaign has been a bit flat but he says they can start turning it round by beating Hungary.

Kane added: "Of course we'd love to win every game and things be perfect, but you do learn a lot more when you draw or lose about areas where you need to improve.

"You have a few ore honest conversations in terms of what we need to do and that's what we've done. This Nations League campaign is still in our hands. We have three games left and if we win them all we'll finish top of the group, and that's our mindset - starting with tomorrow night."