Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEngland are one of the favourites to lift the World Cup this year, and if they are to bring glory home, Harry Kane will be at the heart of it.The striker is in the form of his life. Hes just had the best scoring season of his career and finished as the leading goalscorer in Europes top five leagues, racking up 36 on his way to the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich. Thanks to numbers like that and adding more silverware to his name, hes also a strong contender for the Ballon dOr not awarded to an Englishman since Michael Owen in 2001.Thats the Three Lions captain. Heading into this World Cup, they have the most consistent striker in world football leading the team at his absolute peak.Latest Videos FromWatch full video here: Its often not appreciated just how good Kane truly is. Perhaps his relentlessness in scoring stratospheric numbers at this high level has left fans numb to his impact. This summer, Thomas Tuchel needs to make the most of having the 32-year-old at the pinnacle of his powers.The England goalscoring record of 49 was held for decades by Sir Bobby Charlton before Wayne Rooney broke it. Kane has smashed past that and is on 78 goals ahead of the pre-tournament friendlies. You may like Here are some of the incredible records Harry Kane has broken this season - with more milestones to follow EXCLUSIVE: Mauricio Pochettino on how Harry Kane matches up to Messi and Ronaldo Harry Kane closing in on mythical English goalscoring record which has stood for almost 100 years Hes so reliable, and what England have this summer is Kane arriving in North America in incredible form off the back of another title-winning season in Germany.His move to Bavaria has been to the benefit of England. Kane has improved and taken his game to the next level. Some of that will have to do with the phenomenal cast around him, but England also have outstanding players. Kane needs to deliver in the big games this summer, and in this form, theres no reason to think he wont.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.In my opinion, he has been the best player in Europe this season and continued to grow into more than just a goalscorer or playmaker hes so important to all aspects of the game, and in all areas of the pitch. He has the ability to pop up and link play, start off attacks and, of course, finish them. All Englands talisman needs is one moment and hes lethal in front of goal.This season, Kane became the first Englishman to score at least 50 goals in all competitions for a top division side since Aston Villas Tom Waring in 1931. No English player has scored more in a Champions League season than Kanes 14 this term.As well as his staggering numbers and undeniable quality on the pitch, he has a natural leadership style. There are many ways to captain a side and everything that entails, and Kanes impact cannot be underestimated. In the form hes in, that status becomes elevated even further. What to read next EXCLUSIVE Jordan Pickford says England glory depends on 'whether we can put out the best version of ourselves' Harry Kane will be spurred on by his penalty miss in Qatar. Hes almost unshakeable in his mentality Stuart Peace and Chris Waddle on what it takes to come back from spot-kick misery Thomas Tuchel is a massive weapon for England in the big moments. Hes more decisive and thats what wins you games Danny Murphy on the Three Lions difference-maker coach Since Englands last tournament, he has won back-to-back Bundesliga titles that feeling of winning silverware regularly will only breed an even greater hunger for him to now do it with his country.England have many reasons to be positive and are in a good place heading to the World Cup. After being runners up in the previous two European Championships and falling at the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago, theyll be expected to go deep into this tournament. They have excellent foundations built up by Gareth Southgate, a talented squad with some world-class players, and an elite manager in Thomas Tuchel who knows how to win major trophies. Add Europes most in-form striker and England should be confident.Kane staying fit is vital to Englands hopes as its evident that without him, theyre a completely different team. They need to make the most of all these aspects aligning at the right time. Will Kane, who turns 33 just after the tournament ends, have another two or even four years at this peak level? Can he sustain this level of consistency up until the next Euros or World Cup? It feels like England need to strike while Kane is hot if they are to get their hands on the biggest prize in world football.They have an exceptional squad, so its not unusual to hear other big names being mentioned as the key men for the Three Lions given that Tuchel has such an array of star talent, but over the next couple of months, Kane will not be ignored in that conversation.If England do win the World Cup come July, they will have a special No.9 to thank for it.TOPICSEnglandBayern MunichTottenham HotspurWorld Cup 2026BundesligaChampions LeagueJules BreachColumnistJules Breach is a broadcast journalist who has lead presenting roles for TNT Sport, Channel 4, ITV, and Premier League Productions. Jules hosted BT Sports live flagship football show Score and also presents live Premier League, Europa League and Champions League matches. Jules is the lead presenter for Channel 4s coverage of the England games and also hosts ITVs EFL Highlights show. Jules presents worldwide coverage for Premier League Productions and away from work is a passionate Brighton fan.
