Television presenter Jules Breach shares why she believes Harry Kane could finally end six decades of disappointment for England.

England enter this year’s World Cup as one of the leading contenders, and if they are to lift the trophy, Harry Kane will undoubtedly be central to their success.

The striker is currently at the peak of his career. After registering the most prolific scoring season of his life, Kane finished as the top scorer across Europe’s top five leagues, netting 36 goals while guiding Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title. With such remarkable numbers and more silverware added to his collection, the England captain is also a major contender for the Ballon d’Or – an honour no Englishman has received since Michael Owen in 2001.

As captain of the Three Lions, Kane leads England into the World Cup as arguably the most consistent striker in global football, performing at the very height of his powers.

It’s easy to overlook just how extraordinary Kane’s achievements are. His relentless scoring at an elite level may have made fans take his brilliance for granted. This summer, Thomas Tuchel will need to capitalise fully on the 32-year-old’s remarkable form.

England’s all-time scoring record of 49 goals, long held by Sir Bobby Charlton before Wayne Rooney surpassed it, has now been completely redefined by Kane, who enters the pre-tournament friendlies with 78 goals to his name.

Dependability has always been Kane’s hallmark. England’s star forward arrives in North America in sensational form after another title-winning campaign in Germany.

His move to Bavaria has clearly benefitted England’s national team. Kane has evolved his game to an even higher level, aided by the exceptional talents surrounding him at Bayern. England too boast a host of top-class players, and Kane’s challenge now is to deliver in the crucial moments this summer — something that, given his current form, looks entirely achievable.

In my view, Kane has been Europe’s standout player this season, developing beyond the role of a traditional striker. He contributes across the pitch — linking up play, initiating attacks, and finishing them with deadly precision. England’s talisman needs just a single opportunity, and he rarely fails to convert.

This campaign, Kane became the first English player since Aston Villa’s Tom Waring in 1931 to score at least 50 goals in all competitions for a top-flight club. His tally of 14 goals in this season’s Champions League is unmatched by any other Englishman in the competition’s history.

Beyond his astonishing statistics and technical excellence, Kane’s leadership qualities stand out. There are many ways to captain a side, and his calm, authoritative approach has been crucial to every team he represents. Given his current form, his influence is even more pronounced.

Since England’s last major tournament, Kane has lifted consecutive Bundesliga titles. That winning mentality and familiarity with success will only deepen his desire to replicate such triumphs with his national side.

England have every reason to be optimistic heading into the World Cup. After finishing runners-up in the last two European Championships and reaching the quarter-finals in Qatar four years ago, expectations are high for Gareth Southgate’s men. They have a well-structured setup, a talented squad filled with world-class players, and an elite manager in Thomas Tuchel, who knows what it takes to claim major honours. With Europe’s most in-form striker leading the line, confidence should be sky-high.

Kane’s fitness will be essential to England’s ambitions, as without him, the team looks entirely different. The Three Lions must seize this moment while every factor aligns perfectly. Kane turns 33 shortly after the tournament, raising questions about how long he can sustain this extraordinary level — perhaps two or even four more years. For England, the time to capitalise is now if they are to capture football’s ultimate prize.

Given the depth of talent available, it’s easy to highlight other big names as potential game-changers for the Three Lions. Yet, under Tuchel’s guidance and with the World Cup on the horizon, Kane’s importance will remain undeniable.

If England go on to win the World Cup in July, they will owe immense gratitude to their exceptional No. 9, Harry Kane.