World Cup 2026: Harry Kane hails England’s ‘top drawer’ build-up as Croatia opener looms

England have arrived in Kansas City, their official base camp for the World Cup, as Thomas Tuchel’s squad moves into the final build-up phase ahead of their opening match against Croatia in Arlington, Texas next Wednesday.

The team travelled to the Midwest on Saturday after an intensive training camp in Florida, where they sharpened their preparations with two friendly victories over New Zealand and Costa Rica.

The results have strengthened belief around the squad, who enter the tournament among the leading contenders for the title across Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The Kansas City camp will serve as England’s home for the next six weeks, should they progress deep into the competition, with the players now entering what the coaching staff describe as the most focused stage of their campaign.

Kane praises “top drawer” preparation

Captain Harry Kane has underlined the quality of England’s build-up, insisting the squad feel fully ready for the challenge ahead after weeks of structured preparation and recovery work.

“The way we worked, the way we trained, the preparation for games, the way we played and also just the togetherness, the way we reconnected,” he said.

“The relaxation away from it as well, the recovery part of it. Everything was at the highest level so I feel like we can come into this part of the camp knowing that we’ve had great preparation.”

The Bayern Munich striker, now 32, also reflected on England’s recent performances, particularly the 3-0 win over Costa Rica, which he described as a complete display.

Kane said the mood within the group is building at the right moment, with the squad beginning to sense the scale of the tournament.

“Obviously we’ve still got a few more days until our first game but this is where the business starts,” he said.

“This is going to be our home for the next six weeks, hopefully, and looking forward to getting started.”

Croatia test awaits in Group L opener

England’s focus now shifts to Croatia, a side Kane knows well from past tournament heartbreak, including the 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat.

“Croatia are a difficult team,” he said.

“They proved in the last two World Cups especially that they can be one of the best teams in the tournament and we have to be ready for that,” added Kane.

The warning reflects England’s respect for a Croatia side that has consistently performed on the biggest stage and remains a major threat in Group L.

Tuchel confident as tournament pressure builds

Head coach Thomas Tuchel has also expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness, pointing to their adaptation to conditions and the intensity of their training schedule since arriving in the United States.

“We are acclimatized,” said the German. “We have been quite a while in the country. They have worked hard enough. We have been exposed to enough heat. We’re in a good place.”

Tuchel’s focus now turns to ensuring England translate preparation into performance as expectations rise around a squad widely tipped to challenge for the trophy.

Ghana and Panama complete Group L

England’s group also features Ghana and Panama, completing a competitive Group L that offers no straightforward fixtures as the tournament begins to take shape.