Thomas Tuchel should brutally axe Harry Kane for ‘world-class’ England star vs Serbia
When Thomas Tuchel names his England starting lineup against Serbia, he should consider dropping Harry Kane.
England confirmed their place at the 2026 World Cup during the October international break with a 5-0 thumping of Latvia.
Elliot Anderson impressed against Latvia, while Kane broke multiple England records with his goal, becoming the first player to hit 13 braces for the Three Lions.
Arguably the greatest striker this country has ever seen, the 32-year-old is in the form of his life for club and country with 23 goals in just 17 matches for Bayern Munich this term.
Controversially, though, ahead of England’s clash against Serbia, Tuchel should consider axing his talisman.
Thomas Tuchel should try Jude Bellingham as a striker vs Serbia
When the German named his squad for the November international break, Kane was the only natural centre-forward included.
Tuchel snubbed Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, while Brighton’s Danny Welbeck also missed out, despite being the top-scoring English player in the Premier League.
So, with World Cup qualification sewn up and no need to risk Kane, Tuchel has a rare opportunity to experiment, and that could mean trying Jude Bellingham as a striker against Serbia.
Bellingham returned to England reckoning after missing out with injury during the September international break before being afforded some time to rest in October.
Upon his return, the 22-year-old could benefit from playing as a centre-forward, something he’s done on many occasions at club level.
The Real Madrid superstar is a clinical finisher and has solid positional awareness, knowing when to drop deep and link play while also busting a gut to get into dangerous positions.
Bellingham, who was dubbed ‘world-class’ by Roy Keane during the 2022 World Cup, has plundered 41 goals in 111 appearances for Real and has also produced some crucial moments in England colours.
Gary Lineker on Bellingham playing as a striker
When Bellingham transferred to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in 2023, many questioned what role he would play – as a number six, eight, 10 or at centre-forward.
The Englishman started his time at Los Blancos on fire with 11 goals in his first 12 La Liga appearances, while ending the 2023/24 campaign with 23 goals in all competitions.
That explains why Gary Lineker suggested that Bellingham has the capabilities to play as a striker, and it’s something Tuchel should experiment with two years later.
“The way he has started at Real gives Gareth Southgate a great option,” Lineker told The Sun in October 2023.
“If something happens to Harry Kane – or after he is finished because Harry is now 30 – Jude could play at centre-forward, as a false nine if you like. He is now scoring poacher’s goals.
“He’s even doing the ‘easy’ bits that I used to do! He has been playing as a No. 10 for England in his last few games. He can play in a deeper role as a No 8, he is probably the most complete English footballer I’ve ever seen and he’s only 20.
“No one knows what Jude’s best position is because he is so good in several roles but I could see him playing up front for England.”