Kane relishing finals countdown

Spurs star confident he can shake rustiness in time for World Cup

LONDON - Harry Kane said it has taken him time to recover his scoring touch after an injury absence, but he's confident he will be back to his best for the World Cup.

Kane scored his 38th goal of the season as fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur beat Watford 2-0 at Wembley on Monday to edge closer to a third consecutive season in the Champions League by opening up a five-point lead over fifth-place Chelsea with just three Premier League games left.

Kane again looked rusty and believes he should have scored more in a labored Spurs performance that was characteristic of their dip in recent weeks.

"Obviously, I would have liked to play better over the last few games, but I think the whole team feel like that," said Kane.

"I feel good, I feel sharp, I probably could have scored a couple more out there today.

"I'm looking forward to the last three games. Hopefully I can finish strong like I did last year going into a big summer."

Kane was sidelined for just three weeks after suffering ankle ligament damage at Bournemouth last month.

But on top of trying to get back into top physical shape, he has also had to cope with public ridicule for claiming a goal in a 2-1 win at Stoke to aid his chances of beating Liverpool's Mohamed Salah to the Golden Boot award for the league's top scorer.

Replays were inconclusive as to whether Kane touched Christian Eriksen's cross en route to the Stoke net, but after adamantly maintaining that the ball had flicked off his shoulder, the Premier League overturned the initial ruling and awarded the goal to Kane.

Spurs Mauricio Pochettino said the mini controversy might have played a part in Kane's indifferent form.

"Of course it is a mix about different things. It wasn't a great period for him the past few weeks, he is human like everyone else, and was a little bit affected," said Pochettino.

However, the Argentine has no concerns over Kane's mental toughness to lead England in Russia.

"He scored. He needs to improve his performance still, but 150 games in the Premier League, 105 goals, what we can say more? He is a fantastic striker," he said.

"He's a strong guy, physically and mentally. I am sure he'll perform for us in a very good way and arrive in good condition for the World Cup."