Former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann has stirred debate by suggesting that the “jury is still out” on Harry Kane’s ability to perform when it truly matters on the biggest stage. His comments came after the England skipper scored twice in a commanding 4-2 World Cup opening victory over Croatia, yet Hamann remained doubtful of Kane’s effectiveness against top-tier opposition.

Hamann cast doubts on Kane’s impact when facing elite rivals, offering a sharp critique of the striker’s international record following the Group L opener in North America. The German analyst argued that the 32-year-old must still demonstrate his ability to rise to the occasion during the knockout rounds against the world’s premier teams.

Speaking on RTE Sport, Hamann did not hold back in his assessment of Kane’s limitations. He said: “I think he’s scored eight goals in group stages – two against Tunisia, three against Panama and a penalty against Colombia. He’s the captain and he’s there to score goals in the knockout games. The jury’s out. I want to see him do it against France and Brazil. Whether he’s capable of doing it, we don’t know yet.”

Hamann also raised concerns about Kane’s tactical suitability as England progress through the tournament, particularly in matches often decided by counter-attacks. According to the former German international, Kane’s lack of raw pace could present a problem for Thomas Tuchel’s team when they face stronger opponents in later rounds, despite the forward’s world-class finishing ability.

Expanding on his remarks, Hamann said: “He scores a lot of goals, but in Munich every centre forward scores goals. It doesn’t matter if he scores 25 or 35; they’re going to win the league. I think there are a few centre forwards in the tournament I’d rather have than him. In tournament football, you can score on the counter-attack, but he’s not going to do that. At some stage in the tournament, you need pace, and he simply hasn’t got it. His finishing is probably the best in the world, but does he get in these positions against Germany, Brazil and France? I’m not too sure.”

However, Kane’s performance on the field offered a contrasting narrative, as England proved too strong for Croatia in the second half. The experienced striker converted a first-half penalty on his second attempt and then restored England’s lead with a powerful header, before Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford completed the job to secure all three points.

Kane’s brace took his World Cup tally to nine and ten goals respectively, equalling the national record previously held by former Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur forward Gary Lineker. The double also put him level with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the race for the 2026 Golden Boot after their own opening matches, just behind Lionel Messi, who netted a hat-trick against Algeria.

The win also highlighted the immediate influence of new manager Thomas Tuchel, who inspired a turnaround after England twice surrendered their lead before half-time through goals from Martin Baturina and Petar Musa. Tuchel’s half-time team talk rejuvenated the squad, leading to a far more controlled and assertive performance in the second half.

Kane later revealed how Tuchel’s instructions changed the team’s mindset. “He just told us to let the shackles off. To calm down. Kind of, what are we scared of? Let’s just go,” Kane explained. “He just said what’s the worst that can happen? Let’s just show the world who we can be.”

The England captain also spoke about the fierce competition for the Golden Boot, admitting that the presence of other top strikers drives him to perform at his best. Reflecting on the match in Dallas, he said: “As a striker, I just wanted to get myself on the scoresheet as early as possible. I think that competition helps me to push my levels. That’s what the World Cup’s for – for the best players to play at the highest level.”

With a strong start in North America, England fans will now be wondering how far the Three Lions can go in this World Cup campaign.