Why Thomas Tuchel should dismiss England striker shortage fears for World Cup | OneFootball

New England mangager Thomas Tuchel could face a World Cup striker crisis with few traditional forwards to select from, but all will be well if Harry Kane is fit.

That is the view of former England goalscorer supreme Jermain Defoe who scored 305 goals in a 762-game club career as well as 20 times from his 57 England appearances.

The Londoner is fully on board with the appointment of German coach Tuchel, especially after gaining some behind-the-scenes insight from his old Tottenham team-mate Kane.

Speaking courtesy of bet365’s new Sub On, Play On product he said:  “I remember coaching in the academy at Tottenham, we would talk about Thomas Tuchel and his methods.

“If you speak to Harry Kane he will tell you exactly what he is like; he puts on unbelievable coaching sessions, and the detail and knowledge he gives his players is just amazing.  He is also one of the best managers in terms of winning cup competitions.

“Gareth Southgate and Steve Holland did an amazing job for England. Now we hope Tuchel is the man to get us over the line. It’s been a long time coming.”

Defoe is confident Tuchel’s England reign will be blessed by attacking players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka as well as more conventional number nines such as Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke. He is aware, however, how much he will have to rely on Kane staying fit.

“Not like Euro 96 is it?” Defoe added. “Back then we had Shearer, Sheringham on the bench, Ian Wright, Les Ferdinand, Michael Owen, Paul Merson, Andy Cole and Robbie Fowler. It was frightening.

“Then, when I came through, there was me, Crouchy, Rooney, Smith, Franny Jeffers, Darren Bent. There were so many strikers.

“I think it’s important we still try and produce these number nines because they are the ones that can make a difference. People talk about Erling Haaland not being involved in a game and that he doesn’t do much. Then they see he has scored 40 goals in a season! That’s why you’re in the team.

“Even though there are not loads of number nines around for England now, the one we have is the best. Then we have players such as Watkins, who’s a top player, and then you’ve got Dominic Solanke, who is only going to get better

“I think with those three centre forwards, I  honestly don’t think there’s anything to worry about, because the main one is one of the best in the world and has been for years.”