Harry Kane: Debut goal was a dream come true and now I'm ready to start against Italy

Manager Roy Hodgson said it was a fairy-tale come true after watching Kane replace Wayne Rooney in the second half only to head the ball in at the far post with his second touch as an England player.

It added the final gloss to an impressive performance that maintains England’s 100 per cent record in qualifying.

“Not too bad is it?” said Kane. “It’s the start that I dreamed of and to see it come true is amazing. It’s all a bit of a blur at the moment but I’m delighted.

“It’s by far the best moment in my career. Obviously to represent your country at senior level is the top and hopefully I can continue to do it and hopefully it’s the first of many.

“Of course I am ready to start against Italy - but that’s up to the boss.”

Lithuania manager Igoris Pankratjevas described Kane as a “sniper” and Hodgson said: “If sniper is the word that appeals to you, then use it. Leave me out of it.

“It is fantastic for Harry. We’re so delighted for him. It is a bit of a fairy tale but it’s nice when fairy tales come true and it has come true for Harry.

“He has crowned his England debut with a well-taken goal. I don’t think he’s a person who’ll buckle under pressure but he’ll have to accept the media spotlight – already enormous – will get bigger.

“But he’s in good hands with Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham and us here. We’ll make sure we don’t built him up to knock him down but build him up to be a big part of our future.”

On a night where Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Raheem Sterling also scored for England, the only down side is that the latter two will be missing from the trip to Italy on Tuesday night.

“Danny Welbeck has picked up an injury. It could be a double blow for us, because Raheem Sterling has been waiting for an injection in his toe and I agreed with him and Brendan Rodgers that he would play tonight’s game and would then have the injection.

“Danny suffered a tweak to the knee. He’s being assessed by the medical staff but we won’t get a proper idea until tomorrow. The medical staff gave me the impression they’re not terribly worried about it, but that Tuesday may be too soon.”

Leighton Baines and James Milner will also be left at home, with Ryan Bertrand called up as a replacement.