Harry Kane has warned his fellow England players that the strong sense of togetherness and commitment built under Gareth Southgate could be lost quickly if they do not commit to the national team in the future.

The foundations that turned England into a force on the international stage were crumbling before Gareth Southgate stepped down as manager, so Harry Kane felt the time was right to make his point.

Harry Kane has said that England’s senior players know that the team culture can be lost quickly if they are “not careful”. The 31-year-old was speaking for the first time since his eye-catching interview this week where he reminded his team-mates of the importance of reporting for England duty this month.

England’s success under Gareth Southgate, reaching two European Championship finals, a World Cup semi-final and a quarter-final, was built on a togetherness and culture the former boss cultivated and Kane knows that could easily be lost.