Kane hails Southgate's attacking philosophy

As the World Cup draw approaches, England striker Harry Kane has spoken glowingly of the impact made by manager Gareth Southgate.

Harry Kane (L) and Gareth Southgate (R).

Harry Kane feels England coach Gareth Southgate is "starting to impress his philosophy" upon the team ahead of the World Cup in Russia.

Southgate took charge when Sam Allardyce, Roy Hodgson's successor, was caught in a newspaper sting making inappropriate remarks regarding transfer regulations, prompting him to step down after just one match in charge.

England qualified convincingly for the World Cup under the former Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough player, winning its group by eight points from second-placed Slovakia.

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Before taking charge of the senior team, Southgate coached England's Under-21s, where he first came into contact with Kane, and the Tottenham striker has been impressed by the work of his national team boss at both levels.

"Gareth's great, I worked with him at the U-21s as well, so we have a good understanding. The players are getting behind him now and he's starting to impress his philosophy on to us," Kane told FIFA.com .

"He's brave – he tries to press, plays attacking football. I think he's done really well since he's come into the job."

Ahead of Friday's World Cup draw, Kane insists that he does not want to avoid a specific opponent, despite the fact England could be pitted against any of Germany, Brazil, France or Argentina.

"If you want to win a big tournament, you're going to have to play the best teams sooner or later," he said.

Kane has developed into England's most dangerous striker in the last few years, finishing as the Premier League's top scorer two seasons in a row. 

"I feel that I've been improving year by year," he said.

The 24-year-old was shortlisted for The Best FIFA Men's Player 2017 award and the Spurs star hopes to feature in the running on a regular basis: "Of course, I'd love to be involved in the shortlists again, who wouldn't? 

"That's always the aim, to improve and to be the best, so that's what I'll keep trying to do."