Harry Kane hopes Thomas Tuchel’s winning record will help end England’s trophy wait

LONDON – England captain Harry Kane expects incoming manager Thomas Tuchel to have the backing of fans despite his nationality, adding that the German’s track record could help the team end a 58-year wait for a major trophy.

The Three Lions reached a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals under Gareth Southgate, but have not won the World Cup, or any other major trophy, since 1966.

Former Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach Tuchel

was appointed in October,

becoming the first German to manage England and just the third foreigner to take charge after Sweden’s Sven-Goran Eriksson – who died in August – and Italian Fabio Capello.

He will take charge of England in January.

“I think the fans will (back Tuchel). It will be results-dependent, really – and probably the way we’re playing. Ultimately, England fans want to win,” Kane told reporters on Nov 16.

“We all want to win. I think Thomas gives us a great opportunity to do that with his history of winning the Champions Leagues (with Chelsea) and big major competitions.

“Obviously, he knows he’s going to have to – I don’t want to say win the fans over – but he has to produce and that’s by playing style and results. Ultimately, in 19 months, if we win the World Cup together, I don’t think anyone’s going to have a problem with him.”

Kane, England’s captain and record scorer, worked with Tuchel at Bayern, where the pair forged a strong relationship.

Some reporters in the British media had in October blasted the decision to go with a German manager, given the historic rivalry between the sides.

But Kane reiterated that performance and results on the pitch are what really matter, and that Tuchel is the right man.

“Thomas is really disciplined in what he wants, and he won’t shy away from confrontation, if need be,” he added.

“He gets that balance right of having a relaxed environment when you’re not training, with a bit of banter and a laugh and a joke, but when you’re on the pitch, it is full focus.

“For international football, having that energy in short bursts is really important, especially when you get to major tournaments and you’re away for six weeks and you see the same faces all the time.”

England faced Ireland in their final Nations League group game on Nov 17, which will also be interim manager Lee Carsley’s last match in charge.

The result of that match was unavailable at press time. REUTERS