Harry Kane has set his sights firmly on the Ballon d'Or, insisting that if England can go all the way at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, he will be the standout favourite for football's greatest individual award.
The Bayern Munich striker, who had a remarkable season in Germany — winning three trophies and finishing as Bundesliga top scorer — spoke candidly ahead of England's first training session at the tournament. His message to the world was clear: he's not just here to score goals. He's here to make history.
"I'll Be In That Conversation" — Kane's Ballon d'Or Confidence
"If England win this World Cup, I'd probably say I'll be up there for sure," Kane told reporters. "With the season I've had, the trophies I've won, the numbers I've reached — I think I'll be in that conversation. But first things first. The World Cup is the priority. Everything else comes after."
It was a statement that felt earned rather than arrogant. Kane has long been one of the most clinical forwards in European football, but the knock on him has always been silverware. This summer, he finally has a genuine chance to silence those critics on the biggest stage of all.
England's Group B Challenge
England face a tricky path through the group stage under manager Thomas Tuchel. They are placed in Group B alongside opponents that will test their quality from the first whistle. Tuchel, appointed last year, has worked to bring structure and tactical discipline to a squad that previously struggled for consistency.
Kane will be the focal point of that attack. His ability to drop deep, link play, and still finish in the box makes him almost impossible to manage for opposing defences. If he's in form — and all the signs suggest he is — England will be extremely dangerous.
Rashford Back in the Picture
Marcus Rashford's inclusion in the England squad has been one of the talking points of the tournament build-up. The forward, who had a difficult period at club level in recent seasons, has worked his way back into Tuchel's plans and was handed a squad number ahead of the opening fixtures.
For Kane, having that kind of pace and directness around him will be crucial. England's best chance at the World Cup lies in exploiting transitions, and Rashford's burst of acceleration could be the difference in tight knockout games.
Kane's Career at a Glance
- Club: Bayern Munich
- Nationality: English
- Goals this season: 40+ across all competitions
- Trophies in 2025-26: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup
- England caps: 100+
The World Cup has started in North America and Harry Kane wants a piece of it. If England are to finally lift the trophy for the first time since 1966, their captain will need to deliver — and judging by his current form and his own self-belief, he has every chance of doing exactly that.
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