Phil Jones backs Harry Kane for Golden Boot, tips England to win World Cup

Former England defender Phil Jones has backed captain Harry Kane to win the Golden Boot and tipped England to lift the World Cup in North America this summer, he said in an exclusive interview with GOAL on Jan 30, 2026.

Speaking as part of a five quick-fire question segment, Jones named Kane as his pick for the tournament's top scorer and said England would be his choice to become World Champions.

Jones also predicted Jordan Pickford would win the Golden Glove and called Italy dark horses — "if they qualify [through the play-offs]," he added.

When asked who would "crash and burn," Jones laughed and said Germany, trolling Julian Nagelsmann’s side and GOAL Deutschland interviewer Valentin Huther. The piece notes Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have all been in prolific form this season, with Kane and Mbappe on 21 league goals and Haaland one behind.

The report points out England are among the tournament favourites after qualifying without conceding a goal in eight matches under Thomas Tuchel. The World Cup starts in less than five months, with England due to begin their campaign against Croatia on June 17, and Tuchel will hope his squad continue to shine at club level to give themselves the best chance.

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