Thomas Tuchel has defended England's attacking struggles without Harry Kane, insisting it is normal for top teams to rely on their best players. The England manager made the comments after a 1-0 defeat to Japan, in which Kane was a late withdrawal.
Phil Foden played as a false nine but failed to impress, making way for Dominic Solanke before the hour mark. Tuchel acknowledged that no alternative of equal quality exists, stating: “In the absence of Harry Kane, we don’t have the same threat. Bayern Munich, in the absence of Harry Kane, they don’t have the same threat. No team in the world has the same threat.”
The England boss also noted the disruptive effect of losing both the player and the captain, but insisted England can win without Kane. “We can win games without Harry, we will win without, we have won without Harry. But it’s easier to win with Harry, of course,” he said.
Tuchel pointed to a run of eight injuries during the March international break as an explanation for the poor results, rather than an excuse. He emphasised that top players are heavily invested in club football and faced well-drilled opponents at full strength.
The manager described the winless camp as one that “will not define us” and said he gained clarity on his World Cup squad selection. However, he admitted he will be anxious watching the run-in, as any muscle injury could cost a player their place.
