England's forwards are failing to find the net ahead of the World Cup, with the notable exception of prolific striker Harry Kane. The captain is enjoying a remarkable season, scoring 53 goals across all competitions for Bayern Munich, putting him in contention for the Ballon d'Or. However, with just 50 days until England's opening World Cup match against Croatia on June 17, concerns are mounting over the team's goal-scoring capabilities beyond their star striker.
Supply Line Worries
The issue is particularly acute if England deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, as expected. The supporting cast and secondary goal-scorers are not delivering. Bukayo Saka has managed 11 goals overall this season, but only two in 2026, with injuries disrupting his rhythm. Marcus Rashford has 14 goals, yet just three since late January. Anthony Gordon has 18, but his recent appearances and goals have been sparse, possibly due to off-field distractions.
Jarrod Bowen is showing decent form as he strives to keep West Ham in the Premier League, but he hasn't scored in the league since January 31, though he has been consistent with assists. Noni Madueke is struggling at Arsenal, Morgan Rogers has only two Premier League goals in 2026, and Jude Bellingham is yet to score since returning from a hamstring injury.
Tuchel's Dilemma
England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a serious challenge. He has yet to decide on a backup for Kane, let alone identify who will create and finish chances to make the team a potent attacking force. Beyond statistics, there is a visible lack of fluency and confidence among many England players, who appear tired and out of form after a gruelling season.
Tuchel may need to consider alternative options, such as Bowen on the right wing or a refreshed Bellingham after his injury layoff. The team has serious issues to resolve regarding goal-scoring, even with the world's most lethal striker at their disposal.
Player Ratings
Trevoh Chalobah
Match rating: 8/10. Solid defensive display for Chelsea against Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final. Strong in the air and quick on the ground, reading danger well.
Current form: 8/10. After a month out injured, he looked back to his best at Wembley.
England squad rating: 8/10. Tuchel admires him and previously wanted him at Bayern Munich. Likely to be included alongside John Stones, Ezri Konsa, and Marc Guehi.
Cole Palmer
Match rating: 6/10. A late substitute with little impact.
Current form: 7/10. Most importantly, he is fit again and playing, having missed the Brighton game. His recent captaincy shows growing stature.
England squad rating: 8/10. Edging ahead of Phil Foden, but competition is fierce. His place depends on proving fitness.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Match rating: 6/10. Missed a headed chance and had few other opportunities.
Current form: 7/10. Decent form for Leeds, helping their push for safety.
England squad rating: 5/10. His chance may have passed after that missed header at Wembley. Others are now ahead in the race to be Kane's deputy.
England Squad Ratings
Goalkeepers
- Jordan Pickford: 10
- Dean Henderson: 9
- James Trafford: 8
- Aaron Ramsdale: 6
- Jason Steele: 6
Defenders
- Marc Guehi: 9
- Ezri Konsa: 9
- John Stones: 8
- Trevoh Chalobah: 8
- Dan Burn: 7
- Harry Maguire: 6
- Jarell Quansah: 6
- Fikayo Tomori: 4
Right Backs
- Reece James: 8
- Tino Livramento: 8
- Ben White: 5
Left Backs
- Nico O'Reilly: 9
- Lewis Hall: 8
- Djed Spence: 6
Midfielders
- Declan Rice: 9
- Elliot Anderson: 9
- Jordan Henderson: 7
- Kobbie Mainoo: 7
- James Garner: 7
- Adam Wharton: 6
- Alex Scott: 6
No. 10s
- Morgan Rogers: 9
- Jude Bellingham: 9
- Cole Palmer: 8
- Eberechi Eze: 7
- Phil Foden: 5
Right Wingers
- Bukayo Saka: 8
- Jarrod Bowen: 8
- Noni Madueke: 6
Left Wingers
- Marcus Rashford: 8
- Anthony Gordon: 8
Strikers
- Harry Kane: 10
- Ollie Watkins: 7
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 5
- Dominic Solanke: 4
- Danny Welbeck: 4
