Sven-Goran Eriksson insists England cannot afford for Harry Kane to be off his game in Qatar

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Sven-Goran Eriksson believes skipper Harry Kane remains the key to England’s World Cup hopes.

Much is expected of Gareth Southgate’s young, dynamic attacking options such as Phil Foden, James Maddison, Bukayo Saka, and Jack Grealish in Qatar.

But Eriksson is adamant that Three Lions stalwart Kane is the one player Southgate needs to be on top of his game if they are to lift the trophy next month.

The Swede, 74, said: “It’s Kane, for sure. He is the one who will score the goals and if he is in good shape England can do it.

“They are all important players but he is the most important. If he is fit and at his best, I think England can do it.

“The only problem Southgate has is to pick the XI. He has a lot of options. Good options.”

Eriksson, who guided England to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, as well as at Euro 2004, believes Southgate’s side are among the favorites along with Brazil, Argentina, France, and Germany.

He added: “I think this is one of those World Cups where you can’t say who is going to win it. If you asked 100 experts they will come up with different answers.

“I think there are five favorites and England are one of them. If they have a little bit of luck, no bad injuries to important players, then everything is possible.”