Thomas Tuchel has hailed Harry Kane as an ‘absolute leader’ after the forward’s ‘complete performance’ in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia.
Kane scored twice as England began their 2026 World Cup campaign with an impressive win over Croatia at Dallas Stadium.
The 32-year-old fired in from the penalty spot to open the scoring, sending Dominik Livakovic the wrong way at the second attempt after an initial saved effort was retaken for an infringement.
Martin Baturina scored a super equaliser for Croatia, only for Kane to restore England’s lead with a header. Kane’s double made it 10 goals at the World Cup, equalling Gary Lineker’s England record.
Croatia equalised a second time through Peter Musa, but goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford saw England off to a winning start.
Tuchel was keen to heap praise on Kane, who made a brilliant defensive block in his own box to prevent Croatia getting back into the game late on.
“If you see the commitment of our captain, of our No 9 in the extra time, to block a crucial shot after a set-piece with all his body and his commitment to buy into a defensive action like this then you know everything about his performance today,” said Tuchel.
“A complete performance. Absolute leader. He’s all in. Physically, mentally. It’s the full package at the moment. He wants it and he leads by example, so we’re very happy.”
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