Tuchel Eyes Bellingham as England's Striking Alternative 2026

Thomas Tuchel has identified Jude Bellingham as a potential striking alternative for England, with the head coach considering the midfielder as a No 9 option to ease the reliance on Harry Kane. The surprising solution emerged after Bellingham finished the recent Nations League win over Czechia leading the line, signaling Tuchel's search for depth in attack.

Tuchel's Striking Dilemma: Beyond Harry Kane

Harry Kane continued his remarkable scoring record in the 2-0 win against Czechia on Tuesday, moving to 87 goals in 123 international appearances with a late strike in Prague. Despite Kane's incredible form, Tuchel is aware that England lack proven cover up front. With no prospect of Tuchel having to consider life without Kane imminently, the England head coach backed the 33-year-old striker to last another decade at the highest level and tipped him to reach a century of international goals soon.

However, there is concern over whether England have enough depth in attack. Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney have been overlooked for this camp. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who came on for Kane during the defeat by Spain on Saturday, is 29 and has four goals in 13 caps. Liam Delap, the 23-year-old Nottingham Forest forward, is yet to earn a senior call-up. It was noted that Bellingham led the line after coming on for Kane in the closing stages against Czechia, prompting Tuchel to consider him as a striking option.

Bellingham as a No 9: A Viable Alternative?

Tuchel's comments suggest he is open to unconventional solutions. “You will not get another Harry Kane, first of all,” Tuchel said. “We look for different solutions. We finished the game with Jude as a No 9. There will be someone else but it will not be Harry or a copy of Harry. We will find a solution when it comes to it but maybe not me.”

Bellingham's versatility and physical presence make him a candidate to fill in as a false nine or emergency striker. While primarily an attacking midfielder, his ability to arrive in the box and hold up play could offer England a different dimension. Tuchel's willingness to experiment highlights the lack of ready-made replacements for Kane.

Comparing England's Striking Options

Key Takeaways for England's Attack

• Kane remains irreplaceable but Tuchel is exploring alternatives for depth.
• Bellingham's versatility could see him deployed as a No 9 in emergencies.
• Lack of proven strikers beyond Kane is a concern for major tournaments.
• Tuchel's tactical flexibility may lead to unconventional solutions.

What This Means for England's Future

Tuchel's search for a striking alternative is a pragmatic response to England's attacking depth issues. While Kane continues to defy age, the need for a contingency plan is clear. Bellingham's potential as a No 9 is intriguing but likely a short-term fix. The development of younger forwards like Liam Delap could provide long-term answers.

For now, Tuchel's comments signal that he is willing to think outside the box. England's success in upcoming tournaments may depend on finding a reliable backup for Kane, whether through Bellingham or another emerging talent.

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