England's 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina highlighted a looming crisis: life after Harry Kane. The captain, 33 and approaching 85 goals in 124 caps, played nearly every minute under Thomas Tuchel, while backups Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney saw minimal action. With Kane nearing 37 by the 2030 World Cup, England lack a ready-made successor.

The Premier League underscores the shortage: only three English forwards hit double-digit league goals in 2024-25. Liam Delap, 23, moved to Chelsea for £30m but managed one league goal. Youth prospects like Shim Mheuka (18, 16 goals in 23 U19 games), Will Lankshear (21), and Manchester City's Caelan Cadamarteri (16) offer hope, but academy strikers often falter — Charlie McNeill and Eddie Nketiah among them.

If no traditional No.9 emerges, Tuchel may pivot to a false nine. Phil Foden failed in a trial, but Anthony Gordon, 25, has already proven he can adapt to the role, offering a viable Plan B for a post-Kane England.