The forward has scored three times in six appearances since returning from his ankle injury, but hasn’t looked his usual self

Mauricio Pochettino has backed Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane to be in a good condition for when the World Cup starts on June 14.

The 24-year-old has scored in three of his six appearances since suffering ankle ligament damage at AFC Bournemouth on March 11.

Despite his impressive record of one goal in every two games following his return to full fitness, his performances have been sluggish.

It has led to suggestions he was rushed back too soon, but Pochettino has backed the Spurs vice-captain to be a 100 per cent fit for England later this summer.

He said: “Will Harry be fit for the World Cup? Yes of course, he is a strong guy – both physically and mentally.

“I am sure first of all he is going to perform for us in a very good way and then no doubt he’ll arrive in a very good condition to play for England later this summer.”

Although Kane is still scoring, he didn’t look his best in recent Tottenham defeats to Manchester City (April 14) and United (April 21).

However, it could also be argued Spurs were not at their maximum in those important matches either.

Kane found the net again on Monday, in the 2-0 win over Watford, to move onto 28 goals for the season in the Premier League.

The forward was making his 150th appearance in the top flight of English football and his 48th-minute tap-in was goal number 105 in the Premier League.

Pochettino was pleased to see him find the net again, but added: “Yes, of course he scored, still he needs to improve his performance, but I am happy.

“150 games in the Premier League and 105 goals - what more can we say about Harry? He is a fantastic striker and I am happy for him he scored and happy for the team.”

While Pochettino has insisted in recent weeks Kane was not rushed back too quickly after his injury, he admitted on Monday night the forward is still feeling a ‘hangover’ from it.

The Spurs academy graduate has also been the butt of jokes on social media for weeks since claiming he scored at Stoke City on April 7.

Christian Eriksen was initially awarded Spurs’ second goal, but after Tottenham appealed to the Premier League Match Day Centre, the goal was credited to Kane.

Since the decision was announced, the striker has been bantered on Twitter by current England team-mates and other professional footballers.

Two Saturdays ago the Football Association got involved when a tweet from the official FA Cup account showed a video clip of United defender Chris Smalling saying “Harry Kane” with a caption reading “What’s that in your pocket Chris?”.

It led to Pochettino criticising England’s lack of national pride and he admitted the last few weeks have not been easy for Kane.

Nevertheless, the Argentinean now feels his star man is back on track. He added: “It is a mixture of different things.

“I think it wasn’t a great period for him the last few weeks. He is human and, like everyone, was a little bit affected, but with the help of everyone he is now doing well.”

Tottenham fans, and England supporters, should hope it remains the case and Kane can finish off the Premier League season with a flourish