England's alarming lack of Harry Kane successors is becoming an increasingly pressing concern ahead of the next World Cup. Bayern Munich's star striker admitted after England’s elimination to Argentina that it is “too early to say” whether he will be lining up in the tournament’s 100th anniversary.
Kane's Legacy and Age
Kane has spearheaded the Three Lions' major tournament success in recent years, notching six goals en route to picking up the Golden Boot in 2018 before netting the same number this summer with several crucial goals. However, he will be 36 when the next World Cup comes around. Although he is likely to lead the line in the home Euros in two years, the tournament that follows could prove a step too far for the ex-Tottenham frontman.
Current Backup Options
The question is not who leads England now, but who does so when Kane no longer can. Thomas Tuchel’s reluctance to utilise Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are a damning indictment of the drop in quality from Kane. Watkins played six minutes as a substitute in England’s dead-rubber with Panama, while Toney was thrown on in desperation in the dying embers against Argentina. The pair will be 34 at the next World Cup and have yet to emulate club success consistently in a Three Lions shirt.
Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are the two other strikers used by Tuchel in the past year, but neither were deemed worthy of a spot on the plane to North America. Liam Delap looked to be the heir to Kane’s throne after 12 league goals in a relegated Ipswich Town side in 2024, earning him a move to Chelsea. However, he is yet to find his feet and may seek pastures new this summer.
Makeshift Striker Options
The only viable option at present would be a makeshift striker, such as Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford. Jude Bellingham in a more advanced position could be an exciting proposition. England’s shining light this summer flourished higher up the pitch in his maiden campaign at Real Madrid, notching 23 goals and 13 assists, and could be an option come 2030. Nonetheless, deploying him up front would come at the expense of his invaluable influence in midfield.
Youth Prospects
The Under-21 side has provided the backbone of emerging talent at recent tournaments. Eddie Nketiah was expected to follow that trend, shining in the youth side with a record 16 goals and clinical finishing. Called up in 2023, just five Premier League goals in two seasons since joining Crystal Palace have raised doubts. The current crop of fledgling talent offers little cause for optimism. Divin Mubama netted five Championship goals on loan at Stoke City last term, while Will Lankshear impressed in a struggling Oxford United outfit with 12 goals. The Tottenham youngster seems the most viable young option and being integrated into Roberto de Zerbi’s new-look side is a possibility this season.
The likes of Romain Esse, Joel Ndala, Thomas Watson and Samuel Amo-Ameyaw were all part of Lee Carlsey’s latest squad and haven’t proved their credentials at club level but could be options for the future.
Stark Reality
In essence, the stark reality is that England's striking options are so limited in the youth set-up at present that an ageing Harry Kane may still represent their best choice when they head to Spain, Portugal and Morocco. A key argument to consider is that it is not uncommon for players who were previously nowhere near the international picture to suddenly emerge as leading figures. Elliot Anderson is a prime example: the midfielder was on loan at Bristol Rovers in Sky Bet League One when England headed to Qatar in 2022. Djed Spence struggled for minutes at Tottenham yet played a starring role this summer, while Morgan Rogers had just finished an unsuccessful loan stint at Bournemouth before providing the opener against Argentina.
The lesson here is that while the strikers to replace Kane may not be apparent now, a leading candidate could come to the fore out of the blue ahead of the next World Cup. Nevertheless, the eventual replacement for England's all-time top goalscorer will have an enormous legacy to live up to, and it is key to note Kane himself may feel he has one last World Cup in him.
