Harry Kane has declared that he will not win the Ballon d’Or unless England triumph at the World Cup. The Three Lions skipper is set to shatter records this campaign and sits just one international strike behind Brazilian icon Pele. The Bayern Munich sensation, who has netted 23 times in 17 appearances this term, has made clear that securing the Ballon d’Or remains amongst his greatest aspirations.

However, Kane insists the recipient of football’s most coveted individual accolade invariably hails from the squad that claims either World Cup or Champions League glory. Kane, who already stands as England’s all-time leading marksman with 76 strikes from 111 appearances, admitted: “I could score 100 goals this season but if I don’t win the Champions League or the World Cup, you’re probably not going to win the Ballon d’Or.

“It’s the same with Erling Haaland, it’s the same with any player. You have to be winning those major trophies. With the way the season is going as a team with Bayern Munich, it looks like we’re in great shape.

“It looks like we’re one of the favourites for the Champions League, for sure. So that maybe makes the odds a little bit more in my favour. Same with England. I think we’re going to go into the tournament as one of the favourites.

“Whenever you are going into a year, like a World Cup year, there is a lot of excitement, a lot of talk, a lot of noise around everything. You have to try and stay focused on the now.

“From my point of view, I’ve got six more weeks before I get a nice break. I am feeling good. And that break will help for us but hopefully if things go my way for club and country then I’m definitely going to be in the conversation for a trophy like the Ballon d’Or.”

Kane is also edging closer to matching one of football’s legendary figures, as Pele netted 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil, and the England captain confesses he relishes such milestones and historical achievements.

He added: “To be around a name like Pele speaks for itself. Sometimes when you’re in it, it’s hard to process some of the names you’re around or the things you’re achieving. You just want to go onto the next one.

“Hopefully to score tomorrow and go level with Pele, who had such an inspirational international career, just shows how far I’ve come through my career.”

Kane is poised to captain England in their final World Cup qualifier against Albania in Tirana on Sunday.