Tuchel’s Selection Dilemma: Relying on Kane and the Need for Backup

omidbasir- Thomas Tuchel, recently securing a new contract that extends through the home European Championship in 2028, is tasked with making critical selection decisions that could impact England’s success.

Having previously managed renowned strikers at Bayern Munich, Tuchel is heavily reliant on his captain, Harry Kane, for attacking inspiration. Kane, soon to turn 33, has amassed 78 international goals in 112 appearances and is poised to break Peter Shilton’s record of 125 caps, potentially solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest players in England’s football history.

As another global championship approaches, the question arises: who will support Kane in the lineup? Former England striker Michael Owen, who scored 40 goals in 89 appearances, believes two additional options are necessary beyond Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford, who can play both centrally and on the wings.

When asked about his ideal selection, Owen stated, “I would choose Kane and two more strikers. The squad sizes are ample enough today to accommodate three forwards. It’s crucial to have multiple options, especially in a competition where scoring becomes vital. Ollie Watkins demonstrated this during the Euros when he came off the bench to score.

“If Kane were to sustain an injury or receive a suspension, relying solely on one forward could be detrimental, particularly if you find yourself in a situation where a goal is needed late in the game. Thus, I advocate for three recognized strikers. We have viable options like Watkins, Calvert-Lewin, and Welbeck, and their form will be pivotal as the season progresses.”

On a concerning note, England’s squad recently faced an injury to Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham, although he is expected to recover before finalizing World Cup preparations. The Three Lions are keen to avoid a similar setback with Kane, as his absence would severely diminish their prospects for global success, a sentiment echoed by former England forward Fraizer Campbell.

In a recent interview, Campbell remarked on the implications of Kane’s potential absence: “It’s a challenging situation. While Watkins is a talented player, he has yet to reach Kane’s level. Losing Kane would pose significant challenges for us. We do have several skilled midfielders who could adapt to a more advanced role, but it would still be a substantial loss. Ideally, we should ensure Kane’s health leading into the tournament, perhaps by limiting his playtime with Bayern.”

Currently, Kane remains a key player for Bayern, having netted 39 goals in 34 appearances during the 2025-26 season. He is vying for both domestic and continental accolades before shifting focus to the World Cup, which begins for England against Croatia on June 17.