England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a significant challenge to address the team's over-reliance on captain Harry Kane, particularly in the striker position, as focus shifts towards qualifying for Euro 2028.
Kane, who turned 33 in July, has been a prolific scorer for both Bayern Munich and England, netting 61 goals in all competitions last season for his club. While he remains a key player, his age raises questions about his availability and workload for future tournaments. Kane himself has stated it is "too early" to discuss his participation in the 2030 World Cup, but his presence at Euro 2028 is anticipated.
Tuchel's immediate task is to cultivate a viable Plan B or secure a capable understudy for the Bayern Munich striker. Phil Foden was previously tested in a false nine role, but his performance led to him being omitted from the World Cup squad. Other central strikers, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, saw limited game time during recent matches, with Watkins playing just six minutes and Toney only appearing in the final moments of a game. This suggests a continued dependence on Kane, necessitating efforts to ease his burden.
Watkins finished as the top-scoring English striker in the Premier League last season with 16 goals, yet his international minutes have been minimal. Toney, also 30, has similarly struggled to secure significant playing time. Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are other strikers who have featured for England in the past year, but age is a consideration for these players as well. Danny Welbeck, at 35, was one of the few English strikers to reach double figures in the Premier League last season.
The pathway for emerging strikers also appears uncertain. Eddie Nketiah, once a record goalscorer for England's Under-21s, has had a modest output in the Premier League. The development of younger talents like Liam Delap, who scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich Town in the 2024-25 season, remains to be seen, with his future club status uncertain. The lack of a clear successor raises concerns for the long-term future of England's attacking force beyond Euro 2028, although Tuchel may prioritize securing Kane's services for the immediate future.