'Harry Kane doesn't play!' - Thomas Tuchel backed to ruthlessly DROP England captain if he repeats Euro 2024 no-show at 2026 World Cup

New England manager Tuchel is being tipped to make some bold decisions as he aims for World Cup glory with the Three Lions. The German has replaced Gareth Southgate in the hotseat and made a winning start to his tenure with the England team, overseeing wins over Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifying.

Kane was on target in both of Tuchel's first two matches in charge of England to take his tally to 71 goals in 105 appearances for the national team. The Bayern star may be England's all-time record goalscorer but has been warned he's not guaranteed a place in the starting XI at the World Cup, should England qualify, by former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson.

Merson said on Sky Sports: "I think last year. I think if that's Tuchel next year at the World Cup and Harry Kane is like he is. Harry Kane doesn't play. It's as simple as that. Tuchel will make that decision. If he's like he was at the Euros and he's struggling. He [Tuchel] is here for one reason. He's here to win the World Cup. He has 18 months that's what he's here for. He won't care if he upsets people."

Kane will be hoping to end his trophy curse with Bayern Munich before linking up with England again. The Three Lions face Andorra next in World Cup qualifying in June and then take on Senegal in a friendly.