Thomas Tuchel moved to calm fears over Harry Kane’s condition, stressing that England’s captain will be ready to lead the team at the World Cup. Tuchel underlined Kane’s status as first-choice striker and made clear that fitness will not limit England’s plans this summer.

Kane is preparing to captain England at a World Cup for the second time, after also wearing the armband in 2022. England reached the quarter-finals at that tournament, and expectations remain high as the side head into another global campaign with Kane as the focal point.

Concerns among some supporters come from Kane’s Euro 2024 displays, when the forward appeared restricted. The 32-year-old scored three goals in seven matches, yet looked heavy in some games, with reports during the tournament suggesting that Kane was managing an injury for much of the competition.

Tuchel, speaking before England’s warm-up fixture against New Zealand, dismissed any suggestion of a lingering issue and focused on Kane’s influence. “Harry is a key player, there is no doubt,” he said. “Of course, we take care of him, but we also want him on the pitch.”

Kane arrives at the World Cup after a prolific club season with Bayern Munich in 2025-26. The striker featured in 51 matches for the German side and scored 61 goals in all competitions, excluding the Club World Cup, more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.

Only Kylian Mbappe has a better recent scoring record at World Cups, with 12 goals across the last two editions. Kane has eight in that period, underlining the consistent threat. Kane also scored three times in the cup final for Bayern Munich, further showing sharp finishing under pressure.

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Tuchel explained that Kane’s workload across the tournament will depend on match situations. “Ideally, we can take some minutes off him, but if the matches are close, do we really do this? Do we take our main goalscorer, our captain, off? Maybe not. The most important thing is the shape Harry is in. He’s in top shape, he is ready to go. He was the leading player who set the intensity in training, on a defensive training day. He’s used to high pressing, high intensity in the opponent’s half with Bayern Munich. We don’t have to be worried about him at all, even if it’s hot and humid. He’s shown the whole week he is ready, determined, he was so influential in Bayern’s campaign, he scored three in the cup final. We have some good options, but Harry is the main guy up front.”

Tuchel pointed to Kane’s work during England’s recent training sessions, highlighting pressing drills and defensive focus. The head coach stressed that Kane has driven the tempo in these sessions, which Tuchel views as proof that the striker can handle demanding conditions during the World Cup.

England open their World Cup schedule against Croatia on June 17, then face Ghana and Panama in the group stage. With alternative attacking options available but Kane clearly first choice, Tuchel’s comments indicate that England plan to build their campaign around the captain once again.