England’s Striking Options: Tuchel’s Critical Challenge

Key Points

• Harry Kane’s 74 goals make him England’s talismanic striker, but injuries expose a lack of depth in the centre-forward role.
• Ollie Watkins, with six goals in 20 caps, is the primary backup, though his recent injury highlights the need for alternatives.
• Marcus Rashford’s versatility, Liam Delap’s potential, Dominic Solanke’s form, and Ivan Toney’s scoring prowess offer varied options.
• The scarcity of young English strikers—only Liam Delap under 26 in the Premier League—concerns the FA as the 2026 World Cup looms.
• Thomas Tuchel must balance experience and youth to ensure England’s attacking strength for the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

A Pressing Dilemma
Harry Kane’s brilliance, with 18 goals in his last 10 matches for Bayern Munich, anchors England’s attack. However, his absence in a 3-0 win over Wales on October 13, 2025, due to a minor injury, exposed a glaring issue: England’s lack of reliable striking options. With Ollie Watkins, Kane’s deputy, also sidelined for the upcoming Latvia match, new manager Thomas Tuchel faces a critical challenge. As England stand one win from 2026 World Cup qualification, identifying a dependable backup for Kane is paramount to maintaining their competitive edge.

Who Steps Up?
Tuchel’s options are limited, with only seven English strikers featuring in the 2025-26 Premier League season. Watkins, Marcus Rashford, Liam Delap, Dominic Solanke, and Ivan Toney headline the candidates, each bringing unique strengths. With the World Cup approaching, Tuchel’s task is to nurture these talents and find a balance that ensures England’s attacking prowess, regardless of Kane’s availability.

England’s Striking Options: Tuchel’s Search for Depth

The Kane Conundrum

Harry Kane’s 74 goals in 101 England caps set a towering standard. His recent form—18 goals in 10 matches for Bayern Munich—underscores his indispensability. However, his absence against Wales on October 13, 2025, highlighted England’s vulnerability. With only seven specialist strikers active in the Premier League, as noted by Under-21s coach Lee Carsley, the lack of traditional number nines is a growing concern. Carsley emphasized the need for “orthodox” strikers who play on the shoulder and act as focal points, a role Kane embodies perfectly but few others replicate.

Ollie Watkins: The Trusted Deputy

Ollie Watkins, 29, has emerged as Kane’s primary backup. His goal in the 3-0 Wales victory showcased his instincts, but a collision with the post ruled him out for the Latvia match on October 14, 2025. With six goals in 20 England caps, including a decisive strike in the Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands, Watkins has proven his worth. His 35 goals in 75 league games over two seasons helped Aston Villa secure top-six finishes, highlighting his pace, pressing, and aerial ability. However, his single goal in 10 club games this season and injury concerns raise questions about his consistency.

Marcus Rashford: A Versatile Solution

Marcus Rashford, 27, prefers the left wing but offers a compelling case as a central striker. On loan at Barcelona, he has three goals and five assists in 10 appearances, including a Champions League brace against Newcastle. His 18 England goals—second only to Kane in the current squad—combine with his pace, powerful shot, and knack for big moments. While not a traditional number nine, Rashford’s versatility could see him shift centrally if Tuchel needs a dynamic alternative. His experience and attacking output make him a strong contender among England’s striking options.

Liam Delap: The Rising Star

At 22, Liam Delap represents England’s future. His 13 goals in 40 games for a relegated Ipswich Town last season earned a £30m move to Chelsea, but a torn hamstring in September 2025 will sideline him until December. A key figure in England’s 2022 Under-19 European Championship win, Delap’s physicality, hold-up play, and finishing align with Carsley’s vision of a traditional striker. While yet to debut for the senior team, his trajectory suggests he could bolster England’s attacking depth for the 2026 World Cup.

Dominic Solanke: The Injury-Hit Contender

Dominic Solanke, 28, has been hampered by an ankle injury, limiting him to 31 Premier League minutes this season. His 21 goals in 42 games for Bournemouth last term and 16 in 47 for Tottenham in 2024-25 highlight his potential. With just one England cap since November 2024, Solanke’s physicality, movement, and link-up play make him a complete forward. If he regains fitness and form, he could challenge for a regular role in Tuchel’s squad.

Ivan Toney: The Saudi Enigma

Ivan Toney, 29, remains an intriguing option. After moving to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia in 2024, he has scored eight goals in 10 games this season, following 30 in 44 last term. His Euro 2024 contributions, including an assist and a penalty in crucial moments, showcase his aerial dominance and composure. However, his move outside Europe’s top leagues raises questions about his suitability for international football. Tuchel’s willingness to consider Toney could hinge on his continued scoring form.

Other Contenders and Challenges

Beyond the main candidates, options are scarce. Anthony Gordon, who shifted centrally against Wales, offers versatility but isn’t a natural striker. Mason Greenwood, now at Marseille, is unlikely to return due to his 2023 legal issues and potential switch to Jamaica. The FA’s concern, voiced by Carsley, about the trend of playing strikers out wide underscores the need for young, traditional forwards. Only Delap, under 26, fits this mold among current Premier League strikers.

Tuchel’s Tactical Task

Since taking over from Gareth Southgate in January 2025, Tuchel has guided England to an unbeaten World Cup qualifying campaign, with recent wins over Serbia (5-0) and Wales (3-0). However, a 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal exposed vulnerabilities. With a World Cup berth on the line against Latvia, Tuchel must ensure England’s attack remains potent without Kane. Balancing experienced players like Rashford and Toney with emerging talents like Delap will define his strategy.

Why This Matters

England’s reliance on Kane highlights a broader issue: the scarcity of young, specialist strikers. Tuchel’s ability to develop reliable alternatives will determine England’s success at the 2026 World Cup. The mix of Watkins’ experience, Rashford’s versatility, Delap’s potential, Solanke’s form, and Toney’s unique profile offers hope, but each must prove their consistency to secure a spot.

Key Data: England’s Striking Options (as of October 13, 2025)

Looking Ahead
As England face Latvia on October 14, 2025, a win will secure their 2026 World Cup spot. Tuchel’s challenge is clear: build a robust striking unit to complement Kane. With Watkins sidelined, Rashford, Solanke, or Toney may get a chance to shine. The search for England’s next great striker will shape the Three Lions’ World Cup aspirations, making Tuchel’s decisions pivotal.

Key Citations

• Primary source: Thomas Tuchel’s squad selections, October 2025.
• Primary source: Ollie Watkins’ match report, Wales vs. England, October 13, 2025.
• Secondary source: Lee Carsley’s comments on strikers, 2025.
• Secondary source: Player performance data, Premier League and Saudi Pro League, 2025.
• Secondary source: Fan and pundit reactions, October 2025.

 
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