HARRY KANE hailed England’s World Cup-bound squad as the best of his career.
Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions completed a flawless qualifying campaign with an eighth successive win thanks to two-goal Kane.
The skipper took his international tally to 78 — one more than Brazilian football icon Pele.
Kane’s double was created by subs Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford to highlight Tuchel’s quality and strength in depth heading to next summer’s finals in North America.
Kane, 32, said: “It’s as good as we’ve ever had.
“When you look at the starting 11 and the players coming off the bench, we’re going to go into the tournament as one of the favourites.
“We have to accept that. We’ve been like that for the past few tournaments now and that’s part and parcel of it.
“We’ve been building, we’ve had a great year together with the new coach and now we’re looking forward to a big 2026.
“The last few camps have been incredible to be part of. To finish in the manner we have done is exciting.
“I think he [Tuchel] is sad he is not going to see us now for four or five months.”
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Tuchel’s 100 per cent qualifying record saw England take 24 points out of a possible 24 from Group K, scoring 22 goals without conceding.
Kane netted his first in the 74th minute when he bundled the ball home after Saka’s corner before he headed in Rashford’s excellent cross eight minutes later.
England boss Tuchel, who made seven changes for the clash in Albania, saluted Bayern Munich striker Kane’s personal goal haul.
The German said: “We mentioned it in the dressing room. The cherry on top of everything is that he overcomes Pele today.
“The investment of Harry in these matches is just outstanding. He is so invested in everything that we do.
“If you see him play for Bayern Munich, I have to say it’s the same.
“He’s in a mindset and a physical condition that is at the highest level.”
The already-qualified Three Lions have now won 11 consecutive competitive matches for the first time in their history.
Tuchel’s players return to their clubs for four months before the March friendlies, which are expected to be against Japan and Uruguay at Wembley.
Former Bayern and Chelsea boss Tuchel added: “I told them in the dressing room I have to say ‘Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and see you in March’, which really hurts me, I have to say.
“I almost got emotional because I would love to compete with them next Wednesday and next Saturday but it’s not possible.
“It’s everything that you can ask for as a coach.”
