England’s search for a reliable centre-forward to back up Harry Kane has reached a fever pitch as the Three Lions prepare for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Latvia in Riga. With qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico just one win away, manager Thomas Tuchel faces a unique dilemma: a wealth of attacking talent but a shortage of orthodox strikers ready to step in should Kane be sidelined. The recent international break has only amplified this concern, throwing the spotlight on both established stars and emerging prospects.
Harry Kane, the talismanic captain and Bayern Munich’s goal machine, missed England’s 3-0 win over Wales on October 9 due to a minor foot injury sustained in club action. While Tuchel expressed optimism about Kane’s return for the Latvia clash, the uncertainty surrounding his fitness has left England fans and coaching staff alike on edge. Tuchel explained, “Harry will miss the game. He got a kick in his last match with Bayern Munich. It was too painful to kick a ball, it was too risky that he gets another kick and will just like be in an up and down situation pain-wise, so we gave him the chance that everything calms down. We are convinced that he will be ready for the match against Latvia.”
Ollie Watkins, Kane’s stand-in against Wales, found the net before a nasty collision with the post forced him off at halftime and ruled him out of the Latvia fixture. Watkins’ injury further thinned England’s striker ranks, leaving Tuchel with a pressing question: who can step up if Kane is unavailable?
The options are intriguing but fraught with complications. Aston Villa’s Watkins, who has six goals in 20 England appearances and was instrumental in their Euro 2024 semi-final triumph over the Netherlands, is out of contention due to injury. Chelsea’s Liam Delap, a promising 22-year-old who netted 13 times for Ipswich Town last season before a £30m move, is also sidelined with a hamstring tear until at least December. Tottenham’s record signing Dominic Solanke, who earned a £55m move after a prolific spell at Bournemouth, has played just 31 minutes this Premier League season owing to ankle trouble. Ivan Toney, now plying his trade at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, boasts an impressive 30 goals in 44 games last season and eight in ten this term, but his absence from Europe’s top leagues may complicate his international prospects.
Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, has emerged as perhaps the most viable deputy. The 27-year-old, who replaced Watkins during the Wales match, has already scored 18 goals in 64 England caps—second only to Kane among the current squad. Rashford’s versatility and experience make him a strong candidate, even as debates swirl about his best position. With three goals in ten club appearances this season, including a Champions League double against Newcastle, Rashford’s form is encouraging. Yet, as he has often stated, his preference is to play out wide rather than as a central striker.
England’s Under-21 manager Lee Carsley has voiced the broader concern facing the national setup: “We need more centre forwards, we need more orthodox number nines which are capable of scoring goals. We really value that position.” Carsley’s comments underscore a trend in modern football—many forwards are deployed out wide or in deeper roles, leaving the classic poacher somewhat out of fashion.
With the striker pool depleted, Tuchel has begun looking to the future. Tottenham prospect Dane Scarlett was called up to train with the senior squad following Watkins’ withdrawal, signaling that the search for Kane’s long-term successor is officially underway. Scarlett, 21, has already scored in the Premier League, Europa League, and FA Cup this season for Spurs and was part of the squad that lifted the Europa League trophy after beating Manchester United in the final. His international pedigree is impressive as well; he scored twice for England’s Under-19s during their victorious 2022 European Championship campaign.
Scarlett’s journey has seen him develop through loan spells at Portsmouth, Ipswich Town, and Oxford United before being recalled by Tottenham in January 2025. While it remains to be seen if he will make the matchday squad against Latvia, his inclusion in senior training is a clear nod to his potential. For now, Tuchel’s immediate choices may also include Anthony Gordon, who has filled the No.9 role at Newcastle, and Jarrod Bowen, who has played centrally for West Ham.
Meanwhile, another Tottenham starlet is making headlines at youth level. Mikey Moore, 18, scored a stunning hat-trick for England’s Under-19s in a 4-1 victory over Belgium on October 11. Footage of his goals, including a clever lob, has been widely shared on social media, fueling speculation about his future. Moore’s loan spell at Rangers has been turbulent, marred by off-field instability and the departure of manager Russel Martin. Tottenham are closely monitoring Moore’s situation and may recall him in January 2026, with several Championship clubs expressing interest in a loan move. Moore’s own dissatisfaction with his role at Rangers could prompt a fresh start elsewhere, as Tottenham await the appointment of a new manager at the Scottish club.
While the focus is on the immediate challenge of securing World Cup qualification, these developments highlight the broader evolution of England’s attacking options. The days of a straightforward pecking order behind Kane are gone, replaced by a mix of injury concerns, positional flexibility, and the emergence of young talent. The likes of Rashford, Toney, and Scarlett each bring something different to the table, but none offer the proven, consistent threat that Kane provides.
As England prepares to face Latvia, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Tuchel’s side has maintained a perfect record in qualifying, and a win in Riga will seal their ticket to next summer’s global showpiece. Yet, the uncertainty over Kane’s fitness and the lack of an obvious deputy ensure that all eyes will be on Tuchel’s lineup. Will Rashford lead the line? Could a youngster like Scarlett get his chance? Or will the Three Lions have to improvise once more?
Whatever the outcome in Riga, one thing is certain: England’s quest to find the next great No.9 is far from over. The ongoing search for Kane’s heir apparent promises to be one of the most compelling storylines as the World Cup approaches, with every match, training session, and youth breakthrough watched with growing anticipation by fans and pundits alike.
For now, the Three Lions stand on the brink of World Cup qualification, but the hunt for a reliable back-up striker—and perhaps a future leading man—remains as fierce as ever.
