England manager Roy Hodgson has expressed his belief that Tottenham Hotspur should leave Harry Kane behind when they travel to Australia in May in order to give the striker a rest.

Hodgson has included the 21-year-old in his England squad for matches against Lithuania and Italy next week due to his impressive form for Spurs.

The Three Lions boss believes that the forward should take part in the Under-21 European Championships this summer, but also stressed that going on a 21,000-mile post-season trip to Australia would be a mistake.

"This is a marketing game as far as I can understand," the London Evening Standard quotes Hodgson as saying. "Personally speaking, playing for England at Under-21 level at a tournament is more important than a friendly in Australia.

"I would be very hypocritical if I didn't give that answer. If he needs a rest, there's a great opportunity when the season ends before our Under-21s get together to give him a rest."

Spurs will play Sydney FC in a friendly on May 30.