The stratospheric rise of English football's man of the moment Harry Kane is down to his talent being combined with humility and hard work, according to those who knew him before he was famous. 

Chingford-born Kane, 21, scored in his senior debut for the national team in the 4-0 victory over Lithuania on Friday, after coming on as a substitute to rapturous applause from the Wembley crowd.

The Tottenham striker, who is the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season, is expected to start for the Three Lions in a friendly against Italy tonight.

Teachers who knew Kane at Chingford Foundation School in Nevin Drive, which also counts David Beckham as a former pupil, said he always had the right attitude to succeed.

Former head of PE Mark Leadon, who is now assistant headteacher at the school, described Kane as a "model student and prolific goal scorer", who passed his GCSE’s and never let his love of football override his studies.

Tottenham Independent:

A young Harry Kane with David Beckham in 2005

He said: "He was conscientious, behaved himself and was a good all-round sportsman.

"He was a good cricketer, but it was obvious he was a class footballer.

"He never saw himself as a superstar, he just got on with it. 

"Harry was very technically talented and gifted right from the word go in year seven.

"One of the things that stand out now at Tottenham is his work ethic. 

"He was exactly the same here and always gave 100 per cent."

Describing his feelings when Kane made his senior England debut, Mr Leadon added: “When he came on, I was so proud.

"Up until that point, it was quite a bland game. 

"It was obvious we were going to win, but the game suddenly took on a different dimension."

English teacher Denis McElligott used to be Kane's school team manager and said he was always determined to make the most of his talent.

"Harry was clever, articulate and very humble," he said. 

"He was not flash at all and must have known he was brilliant, but was always very generous with the other kids – never distant or aloof.

Tottenham Independent:

Kane (back row, fourth from right) in year 10 and manager Denis McElligott and the Chingford Foundation school team

"He was a little bit stocky but then you would see him after a game just going out running, losing weight and working on his fitness. It was unbelievable.

"Kids from other schools started to know who he was and know his name. 

"He was doing ridiculous things – scoring from corners and halfway lines.  

"If we were struggling during a game, the tactic would be ‘just give it to Harry’ and he would smash one in from the corner flag.

"I’m really proud of him.

"He has done a lot better than a lot of people would have expected but not us. 

"If his attitude had anything to do with it, he was always going to make it to the top.

Kane's English teacher Jo Betts is a Tottenham fan and admits it was a special moment to see him score for his country.

"As a Spurs fan, I do get emotional when he scores and had a little tear appear on Saturday when he scored for England," she said.  

"He deserves everything he gets today."

As well as Kane and Beckham, Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle also attended Chingford Foundation.

Tottenham Independent:

Kane's English teacher Jo Betts and former school tean manager, now English teacher, Denis McElligott.