Harry Kane described new England manager Thomas Tuchel as “fantastic” before the former Chelsea boss was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor.

The Three Lions’ search for a new head coach has intensified in recent days, with reports first revealing Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola had been contacted.

However, attention soon turned to Tuchel, who has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich in the summer having seen the German giants’ status as perennial Bundesliga champions end thanks to Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.

He will take over from interim caretaker Lee Carsley, who was somewhat non-committal when asked about his own chances of getting the job on a permanent basis, and his appointment was confirmed on Wednesday.

Kane played under Tuchel last season, though the pair didn’t win any silverware during the 2023/24 campaign, and gave the 51-year-old a glowing character reference.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker told Sky Sports: “Until it’s announced obviously I can’t really comment, but we have to wait and see.

“Obviously, I know Thomas well from last year. [He is a] fantastic coach, fantastic person. I am sure the guys at the FA will contact me, when they know more about it.”

Kane enjoyed his most fruitful club season in front of goal under Tuchel, striking 44 times in all competitions, but his role in the England side came into question during Euro 2024, with critics taking aim at his waning physicality and penchant for dropping too deep.

However, he remains captain and one of the country’s most important players, having scored 68 goals for the senior side since his debut in 2015.

England bounced back from their disappointing defeat to Greece with victory in Finland but still need to overhaul the Greeks to secure automatic promotion back to League A of the Nations League.

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