Kane: Best season I've had

Harry Kane believes he can continue the 'best season' he’s ever had by leading England deep into the World Cup this summer.

The Three Lions captain enjoyed another superb club campaign with Bayern Munich, winning the Bundesliga title and German Cup and reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

On a personal level, Kane scored an incredible 61 goals in all competitions for Bayern and added six more for his country, including the winner in the World Cup warm-up win over New Zealand in Florida.

England kick off their bid to add a second star to the shirt with a group stage game against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday and Kane is confident he can build on his recent achievements on international football’s biggest stage.

Speaking at a press conference alongside head coach Thomas Tuchel, the 32-year-old said: “I’d say, from a personal point of view, coming off the best season I’ve ever had, physically and mentally.

“The way the season ended for me was in a great way - to win the league and the cup final and score three goals there. From a physical point of view I feel in great shape.”

Kane, who is England’s all-time record goalscorer and joint fourth in the list of record appearance makers, also had his say on the Three Lions’ chances in North America.

The striker was part of the squads who reached the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the finals of EURO 2020 and EURO 2024 but he insists nobody is taking anything for granted this time.

“Throughout a career, you need a lot of things to go your way and fall into place at the right time, and I feel like it has at this tournament,” Kane said.

“We just need to start well tomorrow and prove we could go far in this tournament.

“We've been able to be in the semi-finals and finals and that only boosts the confidence within the squad. Ultimately, from our point of view, we can only do what we do on the pitch.

“Part of every tournament is for fans to get excited and enjoy the summer. I remember being young, singing the songs and believing it was our time.

“From a player's point of view, we never get too carried away. There is a lot that goes into a tournament like this behind the scenes.”

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka says he’s fit and “ready to go” for England’s first game of the World Cup after battling back from injury.

The winger suffered hip and achilles problems during the season, limiting him to just 25 Premier League starts as Arsenal won their first title in 22 years.

Saka's minutes were managed during the run-in, which also saw the Gunners reach the UEFA Champions League final and he featured as a substitute in the Three Lions' 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica in Florida last week.

And with England's World Cup opener with Croatia looming, the 24-year-old insists he's prepared to start in Dallas if called upon by Tuchel.

Speaking about his injury problems during a press conference at England's Kansas City training base, Saka said: "As players, it’s the biggest gamble, especially if you’re not feeling your sharpest.

"You have the choice whether you don’t play or you put yourself out there knowing people are going to judge you the same.

"I’m happy to take the gamble. It paid off, I’d say. I’m going to continue doing that. At the end of the day, people don’t really care how you’re feeling, they expect you to deliver. But I am feeling a lot better than I did in March and I’m ready to go.

"The main focus right now is winning the World Cup. And being my best version of myself for the team."

Saka also had his say on his relationship with club and international teammate Noni Madueke, who he is competing with for a spot on the right wing in Tuchel's starting lineup.

The pair have become close at the Emirates Stadium, and Saka insists he'll be delighted for his "brother" should he play ahead of him at any point during the tournament.

"It's quite unique, two players that play in the same position to be as close as we are," Saka said.

"I don't really know how it works but it works. Noni is like my brother on and off the pitch. We push each other and we speak every day.

"We have that mutual respect for each other and we want each other to do well. The good thing is that we play on the same team and that if one of us is doing well it is good for the other."