Mauricio Pochettino Expects Harry Kane to Be at 100 Per Cent for the World Cup

Harry Kane will be "in very good condition" for the 2018 FIFA World Cup this summer, according to Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The England international netted Spurs' second goal in their 2-0 Premier League defeat of Watford on Monday, and after a difficult couple of weeks for the striker, Pochettino said Kane is on his way back to his best, per Sky Sports News:

"Yes of course [he can get back to 100 per cent before Russia]. He's a strong guy—physically and mentally. I am sure that, first of all, he will perform for us, and no doubt he will arrive in very good condition for the World Cup.

"He needs to improve his performance still but I'm happy, 150 games, 105 goals, what more can we say, he is a fantastic striker. It wasn't a great period for him in the last few weeks, he's human like anyone and a little bit affected, but with the help of everyone, he's doing well."

Kane, 24, has not looked his sharpest on the pitch since returning from an ankle injury at the beginning of April.

He has also come under fire for claiming a goal initially ascribed to Christian Eriksen against Stoke City, and for his reaction to a tweet sent from the official FA Cup Twitter account after Spurs' semi-final defeat to Manchester United, which appeared to mock his below-par performance, per Matt Law in the Telegraph and football writer Sam Pilger:

Former England and United full-back Gary Neville said on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football before the Watford game that both situations had been handled poorly:

Against the Hornets, though, Kane returned to doing what he does best by netting his 27th Premier League goal of the season as he turned home from eight yards to wrap up all three points for Spurs.

He still seems to be lacking some sharpness but England fans will hope Pochettino is correct in his assertion Kane will continue to improve in the final weeks of the season.

Tottenham's victory over Watford moved them closer to ensuring a top-four finish and UEFA Champions League football for next season.

The north London outfit will be eager to finish the 2017-18 season as high as possible in the table—third place is well within reach with Liverpool faltering domestically.

Spurs' final three games of the season are against West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle United and Leicester City.

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All are winnable games for Pochettino's side, and Kane will have opportunities to get on the scoresheet.

He is four behind Mohamed Salah in the race for the Premier League's Golden Boot, but if he finishes the 2017-18 campaign like he did last season, he could yet claim the award for the third term running.

In the last three Premier League games of 2016-17, Kane netted eight goals. A similar return to close out the current campaign would put serious pressure on Liverpool's Egyptian star.

It would also boost the confidence of England manager Gareth Southgate and Three Lions fans that Kane will be at his best come their first game of the World Cup against Tunisia on June 18.