Thomas Tuchel confirms he will bring backup strikers for Harry Kane to the World Cup and says Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is currently the leading candidate to partner Declan Rice in midfield.
England coach Thomas Tuchel has assured that Harry Kane will have more than one natural center-forward as backup for the World Cup, while confirming that Elliot Anderson is currently winning the midfield battle to partner Declan Rice.
According to a report from FotMob, England coach Thomas Tuchel has clarified his intentions for the national squad ahead of the World Cup in North America, assuring that Harry Kane will likely not be the only natural centre-forward selected.
Tuchel dismissed the notion that an attacking midfielder might be Kane’s sole backup, despite Manchester City’s Phil Foden finishing the recent 2-0 victory over Serbia in a false nine role, assisting Eberechi Eze’s goal.
When asked if Kane could be the lone striker on the plane, Tuchel stated: “I don’t think so. It is possible, but I don’t think it will happen.”
He stressed his philosophy for the tournament: “We will go with a very balanced squad. I have never picked a squad for a World Cup, but the general idea is to pick a balanced squad with all kinds of characters and qualities.
I cannot rule out that we go with one striker, but it’s more likely we have more than one classic number nine.”
In midfield, Tuchel confirmed that Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has solidified his starting place alongside Declan Rice, describing them as “a very good pair, and they compliment each other very well.” The coach suggested the shirt is now the 23-year-old’s to lose.
The statements come as England rounds off their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign against Albania on Sunday, hoping to record an eighth straight win in Group K.
Kane himself has been directly involved in seven goals in three appearances against Albania (five goals, two assists), averaging a goal or assist every 35 minutes against them.