In Safari how do I set my cursor to be in the URL bar, not the search engine

I am updating the information posted by JNM554 here https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250316292?login=true

The default behaviour of Safari when opening a new tab or window is to position your cursor in the search_engine_of_your choice search box. This frustrated me if I know the URL I am after.

e.g. I am using google as my search engine, but I know ebay.co.uk is the URL I want, the default behaviour in Safari is to position my cursor in the google search box, not the top search bar.

It is easy to fix this,

1. open safari preferences
2. In the general tab change the "New tabs open with:" from Homepage to "Empty Page"
3. Do the same for the "New windows open with:" if that is your desire.

I hope this helps others.