We’re now less than three weeks away from the 2018 World Cup finals getting underway.

England begin their campaign against Tunisia on June 18 and will be expected to qualify from a group which also features Panama and Belgium.

Gareth Southgate named his 23-man squad earlier this month and sprang a surprise by leaving out experienced goalkeeper Joe Hart and Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere.

The England boss also named Tottenham’s world-class centre-forward Harry Kane as the national team’s new captain.

The 24-year-old, who is a consummate professional both on and off the pitch, has scored 12 goals in 23 appearances for the Three Lions since making his international debut back in 2015.

However, Kane is not captain at club level. French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris is Tottenham’s skipper as things stand.

Kane is the club’s vice-captain, though, and has clearly demonstrated his leadership qualities in front of Southgate over the past two years.

Crouch thought another player would be made captain

However, former England striker Peter Crouch was a little surprised when Kane was announced as the team’s new captain.

The 37-year-old, who netted 22 goals in 42 games for England, thought that Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson may have been handed the armband instead.

“I must admit I thought Jordan Henderson would be made England captain,” he wrote in his latest column for the Daily Mail. “It always feels strange when a forward is a captain but Gareth Southgate made his choice with Harry Kane.”

Indeed, Henderson has been captain for Champions League finalists Liverpool since replacing the legendary Steven Gerrard back in July 2015.

Crouch gives his opinion on Kane getting the armband

Crouch, though, understands why Southgate handed the honour to Kane instead.

“It is a great choice in my opinion,” the Stoke City striker added. “From what I know of Harry, he is a leader. He is also a world class player and has the qualities to be inspirational in Russia.”

One of the great things about Kane, aside from his ability as a footballer, is his level-headed attitude.

He never gets too carried away when things go well and never beats himself up too much when things take a turn for the worse. He’s a calming influence who won’t be fazed by his new responsibilities.

Was Harry Kane the right choice for England captain - or should Jordan Henderson have the armband instead? Let us know by leaving a comment below.