If Harry Kane is going to start for England at the World Cup then Jamie Vardy isn’t a bad backup to have.

The Leicester City striker scored the seventh international goal of his career in England’s 1-1 draw against Italy on Tuesday evening.

Indeed, there are many fans who believe that Vardy suits England’s system more than Kane does.

It’s easy to see where they’re coming from. In matches where England are going to have less possession, Vardy’s pace and work rate is invaluable.

And with Raheem Sterling and Jesse Lingard in the sort of form they were last night, England looked dangerous on the attack.

Eagle-eyed viewers will have noticed that Vardy was wearing boots emblazoned with Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous CR7 logo and there’s an interesting reason behind it.

According to the Daily Mail, Vardy has been in a disagreement with sponsors Nike since splitting his boots in Leicester’s defeat to Everton on January 31.

Why Vardy is wearing CR7 boots

After the loss, Nike offered to replace Vardy’s boots with a new style of footwear - but the 31-year-old wasn’t a fan.

And so Vardy, who usually wears the Nike Mercurial Superfly CR7 boots, has been buying his own boots ever since.

It’s been paying off for the striker, who has scored six goals in nine matches since the switch.

The Mail’s report adds that Vardy is expected to wear the CR7 boots until further notice. His current contract with Nike expires at the end of the season.

The story is similar to that of Zlatan Ibrahimovic who, while playing for Manchester United last season, switched between wearing Nike and Adidas footwear after his relationship with Nike broke down.

Ultimately, players are going to wear boots that are comfortable and make them feel that they can perform well.

In Vardy’s case, there’s no reason for him to stop popping to his local sports shop and purchasing his own pair given how well he’s playing right now.

Last month, Vardy’s Leicester teammate Harry Maguire, who has broken into the England team this season, admitted the former Fleetwood Town striker is a nightmare to play against in a warning to England’s World Cup opponents.

“I play against him in training, I see him each day, he is a nightmare to play against,” Maguire said.

"His pace frightens people. He is so quick he causes trouble for everyone on the backline, but he works tirelessly as well.

“I am pleased he is on my team for club and country.”