Lee Carsley has confirmed that Harry Kane will not start England's Nations League clash with Greece on Thursday.
After leading England to the final of the European Championships this summer Kane has enjoyed a flying start to life back at club level, netting ten goals in nine games in all competitions for Bayern Munich.
The 31-year-old contributed an assist in Bayern's draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, but was later forced off injured after colliding with an opposition player.
Kane's fitness remained a hot topic in the ensuing days, but Carsley has now confirmed that the England captain will not lead the team out at Wembley.
At Euro 2024 Kyle Walker served as Kane's vice-captain but despite returning to the England squad for the first time since the tournament, Carsley has not selected the full-back to wear the armband.
Lee Carsley has confirmed that Harry Kane will not start England's clash with Greece
Kane joined up with England team-mates earlier this week despite concerns surrounding his fitness
Former Spurs striker was forced off in Bayern's 3-3 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday
That honour will instead be bestowed upon Walker's Manchester City team-mate John Stones.
Speaking ahead of the game Stones thanked Carsley with entrusting him with the armband and insisted being named England captain is an honour he will 'cherish forever'.
'[It's] definitely everything that I could have dreamed of as a kid,' Stones said. 'More for my family, I think.
'To be able to see me walk out as England captain is a special moment and one that I can't thank Lee enough for.
'It was a great conversation that we had last night and one that I was a bit speechless in.
'But an incredible moment for me and it's a bit more normal actually today, everything resumes as normal: the preparation, the training that we've done and our focus is the same.
'To be walking out with the armband on is an absolute honour and one that I'll cherish forever.'
Since being handed his England debut by Roy Hodgson in 2014, Stones has earned 81 caps for his country but has never started a game as captain.
John Stones will lead England out for the first time in his decade-long international career on Thursday
Stones' Man City team-mate Kyle Walker previously served as Kane's deputy for England
After the 30-year-old's impressive maiden campaign with Everton then-Toffees boss Roberto Martinez insisted Stones had the making of a future skipper for the Three Lions.
'When he was very young and in the first-team group, he would take information on board and he would be the one who wanted to know about everything.' Martinez said in 2015.
'He wanted to know about the team, he is not just happy with knowing what his role is. He likes the responsibilities.
'You saw a 21-year-old deal with that pressure and play in that manner. For me it shows he has potential to be England captain.'