As Thomas Tuchel gazed out at Harry Kane in training, he was beaming with pride – and it's easy to see why. The Bayern Munich head coach has hailed his new striker as 'sharp' and 'in top shape', sending a shot of adrenaline straight through the veins of English football fans.
Kane's move from Tottenham Hotspur may have been a surprise, but it's hard to argue with the results: 13 goals in just over a dozen games for Bayern this season is a testament to his enduring quality. And Tuchel knows it too – 'Harry is in top shape,' he declared unequivocally.
The England squad are counting down the days until their World Cup bid begins, and Kane's readiness will be crucial to their chances of success. A warm-up match against New Zealand on Saturday will give Gareth Southgate an early chance to assess his team's mettle – but it's Kane who will be under the microscope.
Historically, concerns about Kane's fitness levels have dogged him at major tournaments. But Tuchel's words paint a different picture: one of a refreshed and revitalised striker, primed for action.
For England, having their captain and primary goal-scorer firing on all cylinders is the key to unlocking success. Kane's ability to lead from the front, create opportunities and – most importantly – score goals will be the difference-maker in the tournament's crunch matches.
The stage is set for Kane to put his skills on show in Saturday's warm-up match against New Zealand. Will he seize the moment and silence his doubters once and for all? The world will be watching, with bated breath, as England's World Cup bid begins in earnest.