England's World Cup preparations have been thrown into absolute chaos following an audacious heist on their official team equipment. Key items belonging to Thomas Tuchel's squad, including the match boots of superstars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, were stolen in transit, leaving the frustrated camp with just a single training football.

After 'thirty years of hurt' for the England national team, football was meant to come 'home' in 1996. And yet 30 years on, the Three Lions still haven't won a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Might the most infamous title drought in international football be about to come to an end, though? England qualified for this summer's World Cup by winning all of their matches and without conceding a single goal, meaning there's a legitimate sense of optimism surrounding Thomas Tuchel's team.

Harry Kane has been urged to ignore the familiar debate that his role in England’s team continues to generate, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL why the record-shattering striker should be granted complete freedom to do whatever he wants. The Three Lions’ talismanic captain does pose their greatest goal threat, but there is no pressure on him to operate in and around the penalty area at all times.

For England, the time for talk is almost over. Soon, all that will matter is the task at hand: Winning the 2026 World Cup. The Football Association (FA) and manager Thomas Tuchel have spoken forthrightly about that being their only objective in North America, and as the days tick down to the Three Lions getting their campaign underway, there is no reason to believe that they can't achieve their ultimate goal.

Harry Kane’s future at Bayern Munich has been cast into sudden doubt following reports of significant differences in contract negotiations. While the England captain remains the focal point of the Bundesliga champions' attack, rivals are beginning to circle as talks over an extension hit an unexpected stumbling block.