Owen urges England to take three recognised strikers with Harry Kane

Kane, who will turn 33 in July, has taken his tally of international goals to 78 through 112 appearances. He is being backed to break Peter Shilton’s cap record - which stands at 125 - and potentially cement a standing as the GOAT of England’s men’s national team.

He will lead the line when another global crown comes up for grabs, but who will provide back-up in Tuchel’s ranks? Ex-Three Lions frontman Owen believes two alternatives will be required, apart from Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford, who can operate down the middle or on the flanks.

Quizzed on what he would do, with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Danny Welbeck and Dominic Solanke in the mix, Owen said he would take Kane and another two. He argued squads are big enough nowadays to risk three recognised strikers rather than relying on extra centre-halves or central midfielders, and pointed to moments when substitutes such as Watkins have come off the bench and scored.

England

harry kane, owen, england, strikers, marcus rashford, ollie watkins, calvert-lewin, danny welbeck, dominic solanke, peter shilton