Without the Bayern Munich striker, England lacked punch, creativity and cutting edge. Even Tuchel appears to be struggling to find a solution should Kane be unavailable during the World Cup. Alternatives have had try-outs during this camp, but recognised number nines in Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin did not make their case strongly enough. And the experiment of using Manchester City's Phil Foden as a false nine looked exactly that against Japan, Tuchel perhaps recognising it was not delivering desired results as it was abandoned inside an hour when he sent on an orthodox striker in Solanke. It was a desperate measure, through no fault of Foden's, that should now be forgotten.

Source: BBC April 01, 2026 15:59 UTC