5 potential centre-forward deputies to Harry Kane as the Lee Carsley era begins

For the first time since 4 September 2016, little over eight years ago, a senior men's England team will take to the field on Saturday not having been picked by Gareth Southgate. After 102 matches in charge, reaching back-to-back Euro finals, Southgate stepped down in July, with the Lee Carsley era set to commence in Dublin this weekend, against the Republic of Ireland who, coincidentally, the 50 year old represented on 40 occasions as a player, albeit he was born and raised in the Midlands.

One of the major talking points throughout the summer was Harry Kane's performances, or lack there of, with the captain looking lacklustre, lethargic and frankly unfit throughout the tournament. Nevertheless, the Three Lions' all-time record goal-scorer is the only centre-forward in the squad for this week's UEFA Nations League fixtures against against Ireland and Finland, meaning he'll continue to play every minute of both games. However, in the longer term, who could challenge the 31 year old for his starting spot, or at the very least lift some of the burden on Kane's shoulders? We assess the candidates, some more likely than usual.

Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins was one of the heroes of the summer, scoring the dramatic 90th minute winner against the Netherlands at Westfalenstadion that booked their place in the final; an all-time England moment! Given that his previous international goals came against San Marino and in friendly wins over Côte d'Ivoire and Australia, fair to say this topped the lot. Many were calling for Watkins to supplant Kane in the team, as he did an hour into the final, albeit this was seen actually as too late. However, the Aston Villa forward will be doing no such thing this week because, as Richard Jolly of the Independent reports, he, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have all withdrawn from the squad. At 28 years old, Watkins isn't likely to be the long-term answer, but is certainly best-placed to succeed Kane at the moment.

Ivan Toney

The other centre-forward included in the Euros squad was Ivan Toney, playing a key role in England's run, teeing-up Kane's winner in the round of 16 against Slovakia, before converting his penalty in the shootout victory over Switzerland six days later. However, Toney's international future is now uncertain after he departed Brentford to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, for whom he'll line-up alongside Riyāḍ Maḥrez and Roberto Firmino. Matt Law of the Telegraph reports that Toney hopes his move to the Middle East won't end his England career but, let's be frank, it almost certainly will won't it, so he's unlikely to be adding to his six caps, opening the door for others perhaps?

Eddie Nketiah

One striker who's hoping a summer move will enhance his England chances is Eddie Nketiah, who departed Arsenal after almost a decade with the club for Crystal Palace last week, with the Eagles paying a fee of £30 million for his services. Nketiah has only ever played second-fiddle during his time with the Gunners, so will be hoping a switch south is what he needs to jump-start his career. Last October, he made his senior England debut against Australia at Wembley, having become the U21's all-time record goal-scorer back in 2020. This remains Nketiah's sole cap but, should he score a few goals for Palace this season, he'll be hopeful of adding to that perhaps as soon as October or November.

Dominic Solanke

Similarly, Dominic Solanke is also, for now, another one-cap-wonder, his only England appearance coming all the way back in November 2017, a 15 minute cameo against Brazil. However, after scoring 21 times in all competitions last season, the 26 year old earned a £65 million move to Tottenham this summer, for whom he's appeared only once so far, an ankle injury precluding his potential inclusion in this squad. Nevertheless, now playing at a higher level, if Solanke is fit and firing at Spurs, he'll surely earn a long awaited England recall at some points this season.

Tammy Abraham

Lastly, and this is a bit more of a left-field selection, Tammy Abraham was also on the move this summer, joining A.C. Milan from Roma on loan, having scored 37 goals in 120 appearances for I Giallorossi. He sat out almost the entirety of last season due to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, so is still being eased back to full fitness, but will be hoping a change of England manager could lead to his recall, having been routinely overlooked by Gareth Southgate. Abraham actually has 11 caps to his name, scoring against Montenegro, Andorra and San Marino, although he's made just one international appearance since November 2021, this coming during a goalless draw with Italy at Molineux in June 2022. At 26 years old, playing in the Champions League for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Abraham could force his way into the England conversation, if he's able to rediscover his best form with I Rossoneri.