Harry Kane (foto: Getty Images)
Phil Jones tipped Harry Kane to lead England to World Cup glory and win the Golden Boot. The former defender also predicted that Germany would struggle badly in North America.
Former England defender Phil Jones believes Harry Kane will fire England to World Cup success this summer and did not hold back when asked to name a major disappointment at the tournament.
Speaking in an interview with GOAL, Jones backed England to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966 and confidently named Kane as his pick for the Golden Boot.
Asked who would finish as top scorer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Jones needed little hesitation before selecting the England captain. He then immediately tipped England to lift the trophy.
Jones also predicted individual honours for England players, naming Jordan Pickford as his choice for the Golden Glove. He added that Italy could be a surprise package, provided they qualify through the play-offs.
When asked which nation would fail at the tournament, Jones laughed before naming Germany, suggesting they would “crash and burn” under Julian Nagelsmann.
England head into the World Cup as one of the favourites after a flawless qualification campaign under Thomas Tuchel, finishing unbeaten and without conceding a single goal across eight matches.
Kane remains central to England’s hopes. The striker continues to score freely at club level and is locked in a tight scoring race with Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, with all three expected to battle for the Golden Boot on the world stage.
Kane and Mbappe are currently level on 21 league goals this season, with Haaland close behind. A strong World Cup showing, combined with team success, would also place any of them firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
Jones, who earned 27 caps for England and appeared at two World Cups during his career, believes the current squad has the balance, form, and leadership to go all the way.
England begin their World Cup campaign on June 17 against Croatia. With less than five months to go, expectations are rising fast as Tuchel and Kane prepare for the biggest test of their international careers.