England manager Thomas Tuchel is considering Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham as a potential option to replace Harry Kane in the national team. Kane, 33, became England's joint-highest appearance-maker on Tuesday, scoring twice in a 3-0 victory over Czechia, taking his tally to 91 goals in 125 caps.
Tuchel acknowledged the challenge of replacing Kane, stating, "You will not get another Harry Kane, first of all. We look for different options and solutions." He added, "I like him as a nine," referring to Bellingham, who has scored 10 goals in 12 matches for England since the start of the 2026 World Cup.
BBC Radio 5 Live's senior football reporter Ian Dennis suggested Bellingham has already emerged as Kane's replacement. However, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson expressed a different view, stating, "He is not a nine, Bellingham plays off others."
In terms of natural centre-forward options, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has 17 goals in 40 Premier League appearances for Leeds United, is seen as a back-up but not a long-term solution. Other English strikers, such as Liam Delap and Chuba Akpom, have each scored one goal in the Premier League this season.
Younger prospects include Aston Villa's 17-year-old Brian Madjo, Middlesbrough's 21-year-old Will Lankshear, and Manchester City's Divin Mubama, currently on loan at Southampton.