England controversy has provided a test of Harry Kane’s captaincy credentials

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The FA might have hoped that the agenda leading up to England’s 1000th international tonight against Montenegro would be dominated by nostalgic buildup but in classic Three Lions fashion, that has not been the case.

Raheem Sterling will not play any part in the historic clash at Wembley because he instigated an altercation with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, reigniting a feud which started an Anfield in the European champions’ 3-1 home win against Manchester City.

That has seen the leadership of Gareth Southgate questioned to a greater extent than it has been in his England reign so far, while it emerged that Jordan Henderson (Mirror) played peacemaker despite the fact he wasn’t even at St George’s Park when it happened.

Ben Chilwell and Harry Maguire have since faced the media alongside their manager – but where does that leave skipper Harry Kane?

TBR’s View – Kane could have done more this week

It’s likely that Kane played a part behind the scenes in setting Sterling’s punishment and ensuring that all parties were happy with the situation, but he should have faced the press alongside his manager by now.

Henderson’s close bond with both players makes it plain why he was called on to calm both parties down but Kane could also have done that as the man on the ground at St George’s Park.

He is also currently skippering a Tottenham changing room that is incapable of shaking itself from an early-season slump, which creates scrutiny over his qualities as a leader.

Kane is a sensational example on the pitch, but perhaps this latest episode hammers home the work he still needs to do to improve his captaincy and diplomacy off it.