No One Staked Claim As Harry Kane Backup – Former England Star | OneFootball

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Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has suggested that none of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Solanke or Ollie Watkins have made a strong enough case to be Harry Kane’s backup at the World Cup at the moment.

England’s reliance on Kane has once again come under scrutiny, with the Three Lions struggling in his absence during recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

In the first friendly against Uruguay, Solanke started for England, which was his first-ever start, before being replaced by Calvert-Lewin.

Neither striker found the net as the Three Lions settled for a 1-1 draw at Wembley.

Against Japan in the second friendly, Thomas Tuchel experimented with a false nine system and started without a recognised striker, but England struggled further in attack and lost 1-0.

Although Solanke was introduced in the 59th minute, he failed to make an impact and did not register a shot for the Three Lions.

If Kane gets injured at the World Cup or misfires then England will need a reliable backup.

Robinson pointed to the lack of a standout candidate, suggesting it remains a major concern for England as they search for a reliable option in Kane’s absence.

He also stressed that Tuchel currently does not have a clear solution, with tactical changes such as the use of a false nine reflecting the issue, while claiming Calvert-Lewin, Watkins and Solanke have not yet made a compelling case.

Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 live: “This is the exact situation no England fan wants.

“We’ve talked about it for over a season with this World Cup coming up. What do England do without Harry Kane?

“This is what England and Thomas Tuchel do not want.

“He doesn’t have an answer to this question. Hence why we’re seeing this new formation again, with the interchange and false nine.

“We’ve spoken about Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Solanke, Ollie Watkins. Nobody stuck their arm up and said ‘I’ll be his replacement’.

“That’s why we’re seeing this.”

Tuchel selected Watkins as a backup striker last year, but left him out of the March international friendlies amid concerns over his recent displays for Aston Villa.

The German manager also faced criticism from some quarters for not selecting Danny Welbeck, who is in hot form for Brighton & Hove Albion.

Welbeck is having his best ever season in the Premier League, with 12 goals and a key role for his side.

While it remains unclear whether Tuchel will consider the 35-year-old for the World Cup, the lack of alternatives stepping up could force a rethink.

England have been drawn in Group L for the World Cup alongside Croatia, Panama and Ghana.