Kane gets first England call-up after rapid rise at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane celebrates his goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in London in this January 10, 2015 file photo. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Striker Harry Kane has been called up by England for the first time after a rapid rise from the fringes of Tottenham's squad to becoming a key component of the team.

The 21-year-old Kane has scored 26 goals in 42 games so far in his breakthrough season at Tottenham, and was voted Premier League player of the month in January and February.

Kane will be hoping to make his England debut in the European Championship qualifier against Lithuania next Friday or the friendly in Italy four days later. He will be competing for a starting spot up front in Roy Hodgson's team alongside captain Wayne Rooney, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck

Only Diego Costa of Chelsea and Manchester City's Sergio Aguero have scored more goals than Kane in the league.