'We wish we had Harry Kane!': German press praise England captain after brace against Tunisia... as Bild suggest old rivals could win World Cup

Harry Kane featured on the front page of Tuesday's Bild after starring against Tunisia

Harry Kane featured on the front page of Tuesday's Bild after starring against Tunisia

It doesn't happen all that often, but it is a day to savour for England fans. A week into the World Cup, the Three Lions and their captain are the envy of Germany.Ā 

'We wish we had Kane!' headlined Bild on Tuesday morning, and they weren't the only ones who thought so. After their own miserable start to the tournament on Sunday, Germany watched in admiration as England battled to victory over Tunisia.

'There are a few things in life that you can rely on: spring following winter, Bayern winning the title, and England making fools of themselves at the World Cup,' quipped the Bild editorial before admitting that Harry Kane had made them think twice about that last one.

'There's something different about England at this World Cup,' the column went on.Ā Ā 

Kane nodded home England's winner in added time having also scored in the opening period

Kane nodded home England's winner in added time having also scored in the opening period

'They played like Germany should play, fast and direct.' Though Kyle Walker's concession of a penalty was dismissed as 'classic England', Bild concluded that England, unlike Germany perhaps, had earned respect for fighting to the bitter end. Then came the killer sentence.

'It may be very early in the tournament, but that is how world champions win games,' the editorial concluded.

High praise indeed, and while most England fans will be justifiably wary of taking all this too seriously, it was meant in earnest.

Bild weren't the only ones either, as others in the German media heaped praise onto Gareth Southgate's team, and Kane in particular. ZDF spoke of a 'lucky but perfect start to the World Cup for England,' while the written press predicted great things of them.

Kane is mobbed by his team-mates after giving Gareth Southgate's men the lead in Volgograd

Kane is mobbed by his team-mates after giving Gareth Southgate's men the lead in Volgograd

Travelling England supporters go wild at the final whistle following a dramatic, late victory

'If Kane keeps his current form, he should be challenging Messi and Ronaldo for the golden boot,' wrote the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. The Spiegel, meanwhile, was also predicting long-awaited silverware for England in the next few years.

'Even if they aren't good enough to win the title this year, in two years time, when they have a bit more experience and a few more young talents have come up, England will be ready to win the European Championship.'

As the pressure rises on their own team to make up for Sunday's defeat by Mexico, the old rivalry, which was always a little more one-sided than the English may think, was nowhere to be seen.Ā 

Kane's two-goal start to the World Cup has helped shake off his disappointing Euro 2016

Kane grabs his shirt and roars with passion after scoring to snatch all three points on Monday

Manager Gareth Southgate congratulates Jordan Henderson following an impressive display

Manager Gareth Southgate congratulates Jordan Henderson following an impressive display

England's success, in fact, seemed to provide a welcome relief on Tuesday from the fallout of Germany's own defeat by Mexico.Ā 

Amid the gnashing of teeth over Mesut Ozil and the anguish over potential divisions in Joachim Low's squad, the Germans have found more than enough time to celebrate Southgate's men.

As the week goes on, focus will turn back to Saturday, and Germany's decisive clash with Sweden. But even then, thoughts may drift to Kane.

As Bild put it: 'We could do with a poacher like him against Sweden.' Lap it up, England fans.Ā 

Germany's players look dejected following their shock 1-0 defeat by Mexico on Sunday

Germany's players look dejected following their shock 1-0 defeat by Mexico on Sunday

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German press heap praise England and Harry Kane after Tunisia win

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