Thomas Tuchel has hailed Harry Kane as the “perfect captain” and “standout player” from his squad, as the 33-year-old prepares for his first game since winning the Ballon d’Or and his record 126th England cap.

Speaking ahead of the final Nations League group stage fixtures, Tuchel confirmed Kane would start the Three Lions’ encounter with Croatia at Wembley on Thursday.

The occasion will be one of extra significance as Kane will be presented with the Ballon d’Or trophy in front of the home support, before breaking the record for all-time England appearances which he currently shares with Peter Shilton.

Asked whether Kane was England’s greatest-ever player, Tuchel said: “I don’t know, but he is up there of course. It’s now proven and it's always nice if things are proven.

“He has his collection of prizes, his records, he will build on these records, score more goals and get more games. Tomorrow he will start as captain of course.

“It's a big occasion to present the Ballon d’Or to our fans and bring it to the country, and have it on the same day when he gets his all-time record for 126 matches. It’s a beautiful, beautiful occasion.

“On top of that it's a match that matters, it is not a friendly, it is a Nations League match. It is something Harry has to digest it as quickly as possible. There will be a lot of praise, a lot of emotions before kick-off and we need him in the best shape to win the match for us.”

England play Croatia, who they thrashed 7-0 in the reverse fixture, at home before travelling to Spain to play the A3 group leaders, and need just a point to qualify for the quarter-finals in March.

Tuchel was asked whether the opportunity to work with Kane, who he managed at Bayern Munich during the 2023-24 season, drew him to take the job with England.

He said: “Harry was the standout player and I knew him of course, we worked together at Bayern so that made the decision very easy, but I was very excited to be close to the Premier League and close to this group of players and have the chance to pick them.

“I'm in love with their attitude, their spirit, the energy of them and that's what they have proved and that's why this team is very exciting and it means a lot having Harry as captain - it was an add-on, a bonus.

“We had talked at his home in Munich and talked about it and what we both wanted from the job. We knew each other and I knew I had a perfect captain and a leader by example, and that's nice to have.”