00:00Do England really need to bring a specialist backup striker to the World Cup?
00:04Anthony Gordon's emergence as a number nine for Newcastle has not only guaranteed his own spot
00:09on the plane, but has put the cat amongst the pigeons for the other English strikers.
00:13The two Dominics, Calvert-Lewin and Solanke, are in the latest squad,
00:16but will they really be needed at the World Cup?
00:19Kane will, obviously, start every game. Even at Euro 2024, where he was half fit and out of form,
00:26Ollie Watkins was limited to substitute appearances off the bench.
00:29Despite coming off his best ever season.
00:31Granted, he delivered an iconic goal versus the Netherlands,
00:34but how important is that role in the squad?
00:37Gordon and Rashford both can and have played up front for the three Lions.
00:41They both offer something different to Kane.
00:43Foden played as a false nine twice in the last break and got an assist in the process.
00:49Those three can cover to a fairly high standard,
00:52whilst also adding quality depth to other areas of the pitch.
00:55If Kane is fit, how much use will an ageing Calvert-Lewin,
01:00a woefully out of form Ollie Watkins, or a Solanke lacking rhythm be to the squad?
01:04But that's the key word.
01:06If Kane is fit.
01:08If Kane gets injured, can you rely on the other options?
01:12Is a like-for-like backup to Kane, like Solanke, essential?
01:17What's more important? Profiles or quality?
01:19No English striker has truly made a big claim for that backup role to Kane.
01:24This break is a huge opportunity for someone to do just that.
01:28Personally, I'd take Solanke.
01:31And I say that with a heavy heart as a big Ollie Watkins fan.
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