Tuchel confirms Kane will be managed carefully through England's World Cup campaign

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Harry Kane will be carefully managed throughout England’s World Cup campaign, with the national team boss insisting his captain does not need to play every minute of every match to be effective.

Kane, who scored 61 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season, is set to play the first half of England’s friendly against New Zealand on Saturday in Florida. Tuchel plans to give all available players 45 minutes each in that game, using it as a structured fitness exercise rather than a competitive selection trial.

“We will try to keep Harry fit and play him as much as possible but hopefully we will have the chance to not need to play him every match 90 or 120 minutes,” Tuchel said. “We will hopefully have the chance for players to step in — but that counts for everyone.”

Despite the workload management plan, Tuchel was emphatic that Kane arrives at the tournament in outstanding condition. “He looks in top shape. He looks lean, sharp and he trains at the highest level,” the England head coach said. “We had a defensive training session today and he was leading the intensity. He is ready to go. We don’t have to be worried about him at all, even if it is hot in June.”

Tuchel highlighted Kane’s familiarity with high-intensity pressing football as a key asset heading into the tournament. “He is so used to the high press from Bayern Munich and the intensive game that they play in the opponents’ half. He is leading by example. I think he is in the best shape.”

The England squad has been based in Florida this week, though the anticipated heat has not materialised. Tuchel noted with some amusement that storms and persistent rain have made conditions feel closer to home. “It has not been sunny and hot. This is the first day we’ve seen the sun and blue sky — it’s been like England,” he said. “Of course it’s been warm and humid, but the upside is that it’s been easier to train.”

Arsenal’s players are due to join the squad on Friday evening but will not feature in the New Zealand friendly. Tuchel confirmed he has not yet decided on his starting eleven for the match, and noted some concern about the surface — an American football pitch — though he said he had received assurances it would be playable.