Harry Kane faces his last challenge of the best season in an outstanding career as he tackles unfinished business leading England at the World Cup.

Kane serves as England's irreplaceable figure, a fact highlighted when Thomas Tuchel's team looked notably ineffective in a draw against Uruguay followed by a loss to Japan during March friendlies at Wembley.

The 32-year-old's condition remains Tuchel's primary worry ahead of their World Cup opener versus Croatia in Dallas on 17 June, given his role as England's record scorer with 78 goals in 112 appearances and the lack of any comparable talent in the squad.

Should Kane remain healthy and maintain the exceptional form that yielded 64 goals in 56 matches for Bayern Munich this season, England's prospects will rise sharply.

Otherwise, the outlook dims considerably.

As former England striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport: "Harry Kane matters so much that if he declared his international retirement today, everyone would immediately see England's World Cup hopes in a more negative way."

Trophies arrived late for Kane after years without silverware at Tottenham Hotspur, despite his impressive scoring record failing to deliver success.

He is now compensating by securing a second straight Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich and netting a hat-trick in their 3-0 German Cup final win over Stuttgart.

Kane aims to secure the ultimate prize by guiding England in their ongoing bid to end the long wait for men's major success since the 1966 World Cup triumph.

England's preparations for their first World Cup match include a friendly against New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday (21:00 BST).

Kane has endured setbacks including two European Championship final losses to Italy and Spain, plus a 2018 World Cup semi-final exit to Croatia and a quarter-final defeat by France in Qatar.

His current peak form and fitness indicate the moment could be right for England and their key man to break through after 60 years of frustration.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, set to cover their World Cup matches as a BBC Radio 5 Live analyst, notes: "Kane is the one player England cannot manage without. Irreplaceable.

"I appreciate Tuchel adding Ivan Toney. I follow the Saudi Pro League where his side Al-Ahli claimed the Asian Champions League again this season. He netted 32 goals and only lost the top scorer spot to Julian Quinones of Al Qadsiah on the last day.

"That selection stands out, and both he and Ollie Watkins bring variety, yet nobody matches Kane's level for England.

"England succeeding depends on Harry Kane performing. That shows his central role. He appears fit, strong and prepared. Terms like captain, talisman and leader all apply to him."

Major events have sometimes challenged Kane, beginning with Euro 2016 in France where he recorded more corners than goals, seven to zero, before an early exit against Iceland.

In Russia two years later as captain, Kane earned the Golden Boot with six goals in six games as Gareth Southgate's side advanced to the semi-finals.

He led England's scoring in the delayed Euro 2020 final with four goals across seven matches, though the 2022 World Cup brought disappointment via a missed penalty in the 2-1 quarter-final loss to France in Qatar.

By his standards, Kane endured a tough Euro 2024, appearing off form and sparking calls to replace him with Aston Villa's Watkins.

He was substituted in every knockout game, including after 61 minutes in the final defeat to Spain in Berlin, yet still shared the top scorer honour with three goals from seven outings.

"This tournament could prove significant for him," Robinson said. "Tuchel makes bold choices on players and tactics, but he consistently deploys Harry Kane as the lone striker.

"He is the player you hope gets that decisive late chance, and he also possesses the skill to set up opportunities for teammates. He drives all of England's play."

Sutton shares this view.

"England enter this World Cup in a stronger position regarding Harry Kane than they did for Euro 2024," Sutton says.

"He seemed below par, possibly injured. Some suggested dropping him, but removing him from the England side now leaves them far less potent."