Kane’s fast start changes England’s World Cup picture

Harry Kane has begun this World Cup in a very different place from Qatar 2022, scoring twice as England beat Croatia 4-2. After needing four matches to register a shot on target at the last tournament, he is already central to England’s attack this time.

Alan Shearer’s BBC analysis frames the change around both form and fitness. He argues Kane looks stronger than in recent major tournaments and points to his 61-goal season with Bayern Munich as a reason for the confidence he has brought into England’s campaign.

The tactical picture also appears important. Shearer notes that under Thomas Tuchel, who previously worked with Kane at Bayern, England are using runners around him when he drops deeper, with players such as Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon offering movement beyond the striker.

Kane’s goals against Croatia also offered different signals: composure after a retaken penalty and penalty pressure, then a headed finish from Declan Rice’s delivery. The broader question now is whether this early impact can be sustained as England move through the group and Kane enters the Golden Boot conversation again.