Former England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has called for Harry Kane to be included in the squad for this summer's European Championship.

Kane has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Tottenham Hotspur and is expected to be involved in Roy Hodgson's senior squad for the matches against Lithuania and Italy later this month.

The 21-year-old is still eligible to be named by Gareth Southgate in his summer squad for the tournament in Czech Republic, but Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has insisted that the striker needs a summer break to avoid burnout.

Pearce, however, is keen to see him included in the travelling party and believes that he is more than capable of succeeding on the international stage.

"England have to take their best players, all of the best players - not just one or two - for me you send the biggest squad out there. They are playing against the best in Europe at Under-21 level, the seniors are in a fantastic position for qualification," Pearce told talkSPORT.

"Roy has done a good job in putting them at the top of their qualifying group, so you are not going to lose a great deal in regard to one or two of our brightest young players going to the Under-21s. The only thing you will do is gain.

"[Kane] is a very level-headed young man. I spoke to him when I was involved in the England set-up. I have not managed him but I have watched his development from afar when he was on loan at places like Millwall. I think it's very refreshing for English football that we have a young man who seems very level-headed and wants to come and play for his country."

Kane will make his 40th appearance for Tottenham this season if he is selected in tonight's match against Swansea City.