Germany legend Miroslav Klose has insisted he would have more World Cup goals if he boasted Harry Kane's 'wonderful' finishing abilities.

The 45-year-old has scored the most World Cup goals in history with 16 spread across four competitions - starting in 2002 and ending in 2014.

Klose, who lifted the prestigious golden trophy in Brazil a decade ago, is Germany's all-time top scorer with 71 strikes.

He also banged in 258 goals in club football during his 18-year professional career, where he scored at least a half century for Bayern Munich, Lazio, Werder Bremen and Kaiseslautern.

But he has revealed he is envious of new Bayern marksman Kane, who is on course to break Robert Lewandowski's single-season record of 41 Bundesliga goals.

Quoted by Sport Bild, Klose said: "I had predicted at least 20 to 25 goals for Harry [this season], but even that was too low.

"What impresses me most is his shooting technique. If I had only five per cent of that, I would probably have scored 30 World Cup goals!

"He is so precise and skilful when it comes to finishing. It's just like a tennis player when he serves.

"What the tennis player does with his wrist, Harry Kane does with his foot and ankle.

"He always has the same posture, but he swings his foot differently. The goalkeepers cannot predict where the shot will go. It’s wonderful."