CORNERFLICK
Harry Kane says he is ready to begin the 2026 World Cup in the best possible condition, with England due to open against Croatia in Dallas.
The England captain is trying to put the disappointment of Qatar 2022 behind him as he starts another major tournament as his side’s leading figure.
Kane said he feels in his strongest physical and mental state and wants England to play with freedom rather than fear of results. “Be free and don’t be afraid of any result,” he said. “We are here to go through the rounds and that is our aim.”
The striker, who has long been drawn to American sporting culture, has also spoken in recent years about a post-retirement ambition to play in the NFL. He has linked that interest to the mentality he saw in athletes such as Tom Brady, after watching the documentary Brady 6.
Kane is approaching his 115th England cap. He has 79 international goals and will again have Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker’s England scoring record in view during the tournament.