"I'm in the best shape of my career." England national team captain Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) expressed strong confidence ahead of the opening of the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America. His goal is the first World Cup title of his career.
According to British news agency PA Media and other outlets Monday, Kane, with the England squad that has set up camp in Tampa, Florida, said at a press conference, "I'm in the best shape of my entire career," adding, "I can't wait for the World Cup to start as soon as possible."
Kane displayed peak scoring form this season, netting 61 goals in 51 official matches for his club, Bayern Munich. In a friendly against New Zealand the previous day, he also led the team to a 1-0 victory with a decisive header in first-half stoppage time.
With that goal, Kane recorded his 79th career international goal in his 113th match for England. As the all-time leading scorer for the England national team, he extended his own scoring record once again with the goal.
"Wearing the England jersey and the captain's armband is my greatest source of pride," Kane said. "I feel a special emotion being able to lead my teammates onto the main stage at another World Cup. I will approach the tournament with great expectations."
Under manager Thomas Tuchel this year, England is challenging for its second-ever title, 60 years after the 1966 World Cup hosted on home soil. Having capped the New Zealand match with a victory, England will play its final pre-World Cup friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday local time. England will then face Croatia in its first Group L match of the World Cup group stage in Dallas, Texas, on June 17.
