Harry Kane believes leading England to World Cup glory could make him a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or, capping a season in which he has already rewritten personal and club records with Bayern Munich.

The England captain has delivered a prolific campaign in Germany, scoring 61 goals in all competitions and spearheading Bayern to a domestic double, including a hat trick in the DFB-Pokal final under new coach Vincent Kompany. That form has propelled him into the global awards conversation as the World Cup looms.

Speaking to French newspaper L’Equipe before joining up with England’s pre-tournament camp in Florida, Kane acknowledged that the game’s most prestigious individual prize is now a realistic target.

“The Ballon d’Or if we win the World Cup? I would certainly be among the favourites,” he said. “Considering the trophies I’ve won this season and the number of goals I’ve scored, I would be in the running.

“Especially since, if England win the World Cup, we could imagine the trophy going to an English player. When you look at who the current favourites are to win the Ballon d’Or, there is Michael Olise, players who were Champions League finalists and me.

“But at the same time, I’m not the kind of person who claims to deserve a Ballon d’Or. I try to let my performances on the pitch speak for themselves.”

England arrive at the tournament with a new man in charge but familiar expectations. Thomas Tuchel, who replaced Sir Gareth Southgate, is tasked with turning a talented generation’s near-misses into a first major trophy since 1966.

Kane, who worked under Tuchel at Bayern, believes the German’s methods can translate to the international stage.

“At Bayern, I loved his personality, his ideas for the team, and the way he got me playing. In a way, he brought those methods to the national team,” Kane said.

England’s recent record underlines both progress and frustration: two European Championship finals, a World Cup semifinal and a quarterfinal in the last four major tournaments. For Kane, that history sharpens the focus.

“The ambition is to win it, obviously, that has to be our goal,” he added. “We know it will be difficult, but we have been close in recent years. This year, we will have a new coach, new players. It is exciting, even if this kind of competition generates a lot of pressure.”