Kane lifts Spurs, leaves QPR struggling

Harry Kane enhanced his England credentials as Tottenham Hotspur won 2-1 at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday to move to within three points of the Premier League's top four.

Watched by England manager Roy Hodgson, Kane took his season goal tally to 26 with a goal in each half, making him the country's leading scorer in all competitions.

Spurs old boy Sandro pulled one back in the 75th minute, but despite a strong late penalty appeal, Chris Ramsey's QPR were unable to avoid a defeat that leaves them three points from safety in the bottom three.

"I'm very proud of our performance," Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino told the BBC.

"We showed big character against a difficult opponent and on a difficult stage."

On Kane, he added: "It's difficult to say anything else about Harry. His performance today shows his strength to keep working."

Having exited the Europa League and lost to Chelsea in last weekend's League Cup final, Tottenham's sole remaining aim is to force their way into the top four and claim a place in next season's Champions League.

The odds remain stacked against them, but they retain hope, especially if Kane maintains his outstanding scoring form.

The 21-year-old is enjoying an outstanding campaign and the growing clamour for him to be included in Hodgson's senior squad for this month's games against Lithuania and Italy will only increase after this display.

Hodgson was also keeping tabs on QPR's uncapped striker Charlie Austin, who had scored one more league goal than Kane coming into this game and was unlucky not to add to that tally when he hit the post in the first half.

It was Kane, though, who caught the eye, twice capitalising on defensive errors to secure a hard-fought victory.

The goals summed up the plight of the two sides, with Tottenham capable of taking the opportunities presented to them while Ramsey's men were guilty of contributing to their own downfall.

Tottenham's top-four dream remains alive, but QPR now face an increasingly desperate fight to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.