LONDON -- Being named England captain has not changed Harry Kane and the Tottenham striker is more than capable of handling the weight of World Cup expectation, according to teammate Gary Cahill.
Kane and Cahill both found the net as England beat Nigeria 2-1 at Wembley in the first of two World Cup warmup friendlies on Saturday, with the striker finding the perfect way to mark his first international appearance since being handed the armband on a permanent basis by Gareth Southgate.
England need Kane to remain focused on scoring goals if they are to make a significant impact in Russia, and after the match Cahill said he has seen no evidence that being appointed captain has altered the Tottenham star's approach on or off the pitch.
"There'll be a lot on his shoulders, but he's more than capable of handling that," Cahill said of Kane. "His goal scoring record's been phenomenal in the last few seasons, so we're delighted to see him get amongst the goals -- not that he needs any confidence because his finishing is unbelievable. For a forward to be scoring goals going into a tournament is always a plus.
"[I've seen] no difference in him in terms of the way he conducts himself. He's had experience being captain at Tottenham at certain times. He's more than capable in that role. The decision [to appoint him] didn't surprise me. He's vocal when he has to be, he speaks when he needs to, and he's going to be here for a long time."
Cahill was another candidate to captain England at this summer's World Cup, and the Chelsea defender added that he is happy to provide guidance to any less experienced members of the squad if they approach him.
"The message has been clear from the manager that he wants a number of leaders, that's why he passed the armband on," he said. "Coming into the tournament you've got to select a captain, but he wanted that group of leaders to help share the workload.
"And yeah, I'm there! I'm not there to preach to everyone, I'm there if I'm needed to be there. I feel I've got experience playing in big games, so if people want to speak to me or I want to speak to them, the group is tight-knit like that.
"You should be approachable for advice in good or bad moments, but everyone prepares in their own way. Some people want it and some people don't, so let them prepare in their own way, make sure we're ready and focused."
England scored both of their goals against Nigeria in a first half that featured some flowing attacking football in Southgate's fluid 3-5-2 system, and substitute Ruben Loftus-Cheek was pleased with what he saw.
"There was loads of unselfish movement, and if the player gets it he gets it, but if he doesn't it opens up more space for other players," he said. "It was a really good first half."
Kieran Trippier added: "When you play the 3-5-2 you've got the No. 8s, it's like a diamond, so every time you get the ball there's an option for you. I thought the team did well and we're just looking forward to the next one."
England face Costa Rica at Elland Road on Thursday and will play a practice match in training before flying to Russia on June 12, but Cahill believes psychological preparation is the top priority for Southgate's squad in the coming days.
"We'll be ready fitness-wise for sure," he added. "It's just being ready in the mind in a positive way for the tournament."