Harry Kane the best striker Thomas Tuchel has ever managed as England seal ‘dream’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification with Latvia demolition
Thomas Tuchel had to pause, but the England head coach decided that Harry Kane was the best striker he had ever worked with after The Three Lions secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kane netted twice in a 5-0 win over Latvia to confirm his place at next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Anthony Gordon argued there is no better striker in world football.
Thomas Tuchel said Harry Kane is the best striker he has ever managed after England secured their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 5-0 win over Latvia.
The Three Lions became the first UEFA nation to directly qualify for the tournament, and did so with a flawless record of six wins, six clean sheets and 18 goals scored.
Kane netted twice in Riga on Tuesday evening, with Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon and an own goal from Maksims Tonisevs providing the others.
Already England’s all-time top scorer, Kane now has 76 goals in 110 international caps, and Tuchel had high praise for the Bayern Munich forward.
Asked by ITV whether Kane was the best striker he had ever worked with, Tuchel said: “He’s on top of the list.”
“He is in top shape mentally and physically and full of confidence,” he added.
The German has coached the likes of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Kylian Mbappe and Romelu Lukaku in his spells at Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, respectively.
And Gordon also hailed the England captain, commenting that he is currently the best striker in the world.
“Certainly not, not right now,” Gordon answered when asked whether there was a better striker in world football. “He can score from anywhere.
“His goal today with his left foot, you don’t even think it’s a shot that’s on and the next minute it’s in the bottom corner. He’s world class.”
In reaction to England punching their ticket for the expanded tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Tuchel called it a “dream”.
“Brilliant,” said Tuchel. “Such a good mood in the dressing room. It feels very different because it is our dream to go to America and now we made it with another good performance and top result. Very happy.
“We are dominant in games, we are hungry. We have a lot of ball wins in the opponent’s half. It is good. We are on our way.
“It is a club feel because we play very aggressive with a high press. It is a very physical game. Everyone needs to buy into the idea because otherwise you cannot press so high.
“The guys train at a high level and the group is a very good group and it is a pleasure to coach them. Step-by-step we are getting there.”
The England head coach hit the headlines after his side’s comfortable friendly win over Wales, after he criticised the support inside Wembley.
Travelling England fans retorted in Riga with chants such as ‘Are we loud enough for you?’ and Tuchel saw the funny side of the good-natured rebuttal.
“I got some stick in the first half,” said Tuchel with a smile. “Fair enough and well done. Good sense of humour and no problem. It was brilliant, brilliant support from start to finish.”
Listen to top Radio Stations in Abia State CLICK HERE
Support Afnews Independent Journalism
At Afnews, we are dedicated to providing accurate, insightful, and timely news coverage. Our commitment to journalistic integrity ensures that you receive trustworthy information, unfiltered and unbiased. To maintain our independence and continue delivering quality content, we rely on the support of our readers.
If you value the work we do, please consider making a contribution. Your support enables us to keep bringing you the stories that matter.
Donate today and help us keep independent journalism alive. Thank you for your support!
