Harry Kane is set to lead the line in Riga after shaking off a minor knock—welcome news as England look to clinch World Cup qualification against Latvia. Reuters
The twist: Ollie Watkins, who started and scored against Wales, has been ruled out after crashing into the post during that game, thinning the striker pool for this window. Talksport+2The Sun+2
Beyond Kane, the talent pipeline at traditional centre-forward is worryingly shallow. Even England U21 boss Lee Carsley has sounded the alarm, stressing the need for more “orthodox number nines” who live to score and lead the line. Yahoo Sports
And while Thomas Tuchel now has enviable depth in most positions, picking a true understudy for Kane ahead of next summer remains a live debate. https://www.englandfootball.com+1
How we’re judging the contenders
- Profile fit: Can they replicate Kane’s link play and penalty-box presence—or at least offer a clear Plan B?
- Form & availability: Recent fitness and sharpness matter.
- Big-game reliability: Finishing under pressure, movement, and pressing IQ.
The ranking: Kane’s deputies, from most convincing to wildcard
1) Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth) – The balanced nine
Solanke’s all-round game—hold-up play, wall passes into runners, and improved penalty-box movement—makes him the cleanest “like-for-like” cover. He offers enough physicality to pin centre-backs yet links midfield to wide forwards the way Tuchel’s sides often require.
2) Callum Wilson (Newcastle) – The ruthless finisher
When fit, Wilson’s economy in the box is elite. He won’t mimic Kane’s playmaking, but if England need a late goal against a deep block, few English strikers sniff chances and finish first-time as well. Durability concerns keep him from top spot.
3) Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton) – The aerial battering ram
If Tuchel wants a more direct route—deep crosses, early diagonals, heavy near-post traffic—Calvert-Lewin changes the dynamic instantly. He stretches centre-halves, attacks space, and is a set-piece magnet. Fitness history is the question, upside is clear.
4) Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal) – The presser and poacher
Nketiah thrives attacking the six-yard line and pressing from the front. He’s less of a back-to-goal hub than Kane, but against opponents who insist on playing out, his intensity without the ball plus near-post runs can tilt the game.
5) Liam Delap (Chelsea) – The high-ceiling wildcard
Still only 22 and now at Chelsea, Delap brings direct running, aggression, and a centre-forward’s instincts. He’s raw at international level, but his profile—attacking space and finishing on the move—adds a different threat to the pool. Chelsea FC+2Chelsea FC+2
What about Watkins?
Watkins has been Tuchel’s primary depth piece thanks to his channel runs and selfless pressing—he just happens to be unavailable for Latvia after that heavy collision with the post. When fit, he’s very much in the conversation, particularly for games that demand relentless movement across the front line. Talksport+1
The tactical Plan B (if Tuchel wants one)
If injuries bite—or the game model flips—Tuchel can also lean into a false nine/inside-forward configuration, using wide scorers to attack the box while a mobile “nine” knits play and presses. It’s not ideal to replace Kane’s unique toolkit, but Tuchel has used similar solutions at club level when circumstances demanded it. https://www.englandfootball.com
Bottom line
- Most dependable deputy right now: Solanke
- Best instant-impact finisher: Wilson
- Most disruptive aerial option: Calvert-Lewin
- Best pressing poacher: Nketiah
- Highest upside wildcard: Delap (and crucially, he’s getting top-level minutes at Chelsea). Chelsea FC+1
With Kane fit again under Tuchel and England a win away from booking their ticket, the back-up race remains open—but the shortlist above gives the Three Lions distinct ways to solve a big-tournament problem before it arrives. Reuters