Thomas Tuchel makes two major England decisions before the Three Lions clash with Wales
Thomas Tuchel has delivered two big decisions before England’s friendly match against rivals Wales at Wembley.
England continue their preparations towards the World Cup in North America next year with a friendly against neighbours Wales.
Tuchel’s side are top of their World Cup qualifying group after England’s victory against Serbia and Andorra in the last international break.
Harry Kane will miss England’s match against Wales, giving another member of the squad an opportunity to stake their claim ahead of the tournament.
Thomas Tuchel chooses Harry Kane replacement vs Wales
As per BBC Sport [9 October], Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is expected to deputise for Kane up-front, whilst Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is set to captain the team.
Tuchel previously stated that either John Stones, Jordan Henderson or Rice would replace Kane as captain for the Wales clash.
Kane could return for England’s World Cup qualifier away to Latvia, where a win with two matches to spare could confirm their place at the tournament.
Kane importance highlighted as Bayern Munich ace way ahead in key stat
Watkins has been chosen ahead of on-loan Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford, and West Ham‘s Jarrod Bowen to start up-front against Wales.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Phil McNulty also would have started Watkins, but the lack of alternatives shows how crucial Kane is to England’s World Cup hopes.
| Stats/Played | Harry Kane | Ollie Watkins | Marcus Rashford | Jarrod Bowen |
| Appearances | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Goals | 18 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Assists | 3 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
“I would probably go with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but the fact that no name jumps out shows you just how important Harry Kane is and how it is essential he remains fit should England qualify for the World Cup,” McNulty said.
“He [Rashford] is clearly in Tuchel’s plans but I do think he has to produce consistency for Barcelona – and show improvement if he figures in England’s next two games – to really nail down a place in the squad.“
This season’s stats show Kane’s excellent goal scoring form puts him out in front to be Tuchel’s number one striker at the World Cup.