England explore back-up options for Harry Kane

-

The England manager considers Harry Kane alternatives

Thomas Tuchel is assessing options ahead of the friendly against Wales after Kane suffered an injury, though with World Cup qualification likely, the absence is not seen as critical.

Author | William G

Super News Football 2025 | England Discussion | Who will lead the line for England?

Kane's influence on the team is clear. The captain has scored a record 74 goals in 109 appearances, while the rest of the squad has combined for 53. Since his debut in 2015, Kane has contributed 26.4% of England’s goals, with Raheem Sterling, last capped at the 2022 World Cup, the only other player to reach 20 goals.

Ollie Watkins

In Tuchel’s squad, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is the most likely candidate to step in. Watkins frequently replaced Kane from the bench during last summer’s Euros, including scoring the winner against the Netherlands in the semi-finals. He has five goals in 19 caps but has managed only one goal for Villa this season.

Anthony Gordon

He has experience in central positions with Newcastle and the England Under-21s, scoring one goal in 14 caps. This would arguably be the biggest gamble out of these options. You'd also lose out on Gordon's obvious ability outwide.

Marcus Rashford

Another option. Currently on loan at Barcelona, he usually plays from the left but has experience in a central role. Rashford has 18 goals for England, second only to Kane in the current squad. Check out his two goals in Barcelona's recent win over Newcastle United in the Champions League.

Liam Delap

Chelsea’s Liam Delap, signed after a strong season with Ipswich, is sidelined with a hamstring injury and has yet to be called up. The current top English goalscorer in the Premier League is Burnley’s uncapped winger Jaidon Anthony, who has four goals this season.

Popular posts from this blog

Arsenal start Champions League campaign with a win

-
Image
Athletic Club 0 - 2 Arsenal Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard came off the bench to deliver the goals as Arsenal opened their Champions League campaign with victory over Athletic Club. Author | DJ Stadium | San Mames Martinelli needed just 36 seconds to make his mark, racing through to score after being set up by Trossard midway through the second half. The Brazilian then turned provider, beating his man before laying the ball back for Trossard to tuck in a second with four minutes to play. It was far from straightforward for Mikel Arteta’s side. Athletic, returning to the competition for the first time since 2014-15, flew out of the blocks backed by a raucous San Mamés crowd. Alejandro Berenguer was a persistent threat and the hosts had Arsenal penned in for long spells of the first half. The Gunners did create the clearest chance before the interval, Viktor Gyökeres heading wide from close range, but overall struggled to assert themselves. Gyökeres later finished the match...
Read more

Braga stun Celtic after VAR controversy

-
Image
Celtic 2 - 0 Braga Celtic suffered further European disappointment as goals in each half and a controversial disallowed equaliser earned Braga victory in what was a chaotic encounter. Author |  Sean M Stadium |  Celtic Park Kick-off Kasper Schmeichel had an error-strewn game in goal and failed to keep out Ricardo Horta 's early long-range effort, which stunned the Celtic Park crowd into silence. The Dane then did well to keep out a late shot but was helpless when the ball bounced off Gabri Martinez in a botched clearance and rebounded into the net to seal all the points. After their Champions League qualification failure against Kairat Almaty , and an opening Europa League draw with Red Star Belgrade , this continued Celtic's disappointing start to their European campaign. In fact, so sharp has been the drop-off since last season, that Brendan Rodgers ' side may struggle to qualify for the latter stages of the Europa League unless they can find their way again, and q...
Read more

Atletico hit five to stun Real in historic derby win

-
Image
Atletico Madrid 5 - 2 Real Madrid Simeone’s side end Real’s perfect start with biggest derby haul since 1950 Author | Jack L Stadium | Metropolitano Stadium Fantastic atmosphere in Madrid Atletico Madrid scored five goals against city rivals Real for the first time in almost 75 years as they came from behind to claim a pulsating derby victory. It was only the fourth time Atletico had scored at least five in a Madrid derby, the last occasion being a 6-3 triumph in November 1950. Real, who had begun the season with six straight La Liga wins and opened their Champions League campaign by beating Marseille, fell to their first defeat of the campaign. The five conceded equalled their heaviest league loss since a 5-1 reverse to Barcelona in October 2018. Different pictures from the stands Diego Simeone ’s side struck first when Robin le Normand headed them in front, but goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler turned the game in Real’s favour. Alexander Sorloth equalised in first-half stopp...
Read more