In Focus: Kane's fast start at Bayern bodes well for England

Harry Kane has made an impressive start to his Bayern Munich career.

After his £86.4million move from Tottenham, the England captain has scored three goals in three Bundesliga appearances.

And the 30-year-old is only going to improve as he adjusts to a new team and a different style of football.

Ahead of England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine on Saturday, we take a closer look at Kane’s start to life in Germany.

Off the mark

Kane took just four minutes to contribute on his Bundesliga debut, playing a delicate pass in behind to assist Leroy Sane’s opener at Werder Bremen.

And he opened his own account for the season in the second half with a cool finish into the bottom left corner.

That was followed by a brace in a 3-1 win over Augsburg, before a more subdued display in last weekend’s 2-1 victory at Borussia Monchengladbach.

Focal point

Only one player in the Bundesliga — Bayer Leverkusen marksman Victor Boniface (21) — has had more shots than Kane after three games (14).

Kane also ranks second in the division for expected goals (2.65) and with plenty of chances falling his way, the goals are likely to flow.

The former Spurs striker is more than just a goalscorer, though, with 20 completed passes into the final third and two attempted through balls to his name so far.

Capable of both dropping deep and acting as a penalty-box poacher, Kane is already the focal point of Bayern’s attack.

Top quality

Kane struggled for service during the Monchengladbach game as Bayern laboured to a 2-1 win.

But Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel looked to ease any concerns.

He said: "It’s just a question of games. We had a couple of situations where we overlooked him. But that’s just a question of games and training situations.

"Harry has top quality and the players around him will try to put him in finishing position. And then he will do what he always does, score goals."

New pressure

Kane’s standards are high and so are the expectations of Bayern fans, so any goalless games will inevitably be scrutinised.

After his move from Tottenham was completed, he said: "A lot of people talk about the trophies and why I came here but ultimately it was to improve.

"To feel a new pressure of having to win titles every year, having to go far in the Champions League and pushing myself to that limit.

"If you are winning games, if you are winning titles, if you are winning Champions League titles and I'm the one playing up front, it's more likely that I am going to be the one scoring goals, which then allows you to win other individual awards."

Higher standards

Living up to that pressure will be key for Kane.

But playing in a side with Bayern’s world-class quality — both domestically and in Europe — should mean his game transcends to even higher standards.

England fans will hope this development translates on to the international stage as the Three Lions continue their Euro 2024 qualification campaign and gear up for the tournament in Germany next summer.