Watford boss Javi Gracia says Tottenham striker Harry Kane deserves greater respect from English football.

Gracia believes a man tipped to lead England's World Cup adventure as captain this summer deserves more reverence than ridicule.

He said: “I respect all opinions in football, but my opinion is that Kane is one of the best English players for sure.

“I don't mind whether he claims goals or not – he is one of the best. Strikers want to score with every touch and I show him only respect.

“He could be England's captain at the World Cup. That is a decision for the national team manager, but all I can say at this moment is that he is a very good player with all the qualities of a top striker and the character is important as well.

“With goals or not, with the captaincy or not, I'm sure he will show what he can do in the Premier League and he will also show it at the World Cup."