Jude Bellingham emerges as England’s Kane alternative

Harry Kane’s record run with England can’t go on forever, and the numbers make it clear. On Tuesday at Wembley, the Bayern Munich striker scored twice in the 3-0 win over Czechia to reach 91 goals in 125 caps. With the next European Championship starting in summer 2028, he’ll be 35, so England’s replacement debate is already underway.

England manager Thomas Tuchel said they won’t find “another Harry Kane” and will instead search for different solutions. His most direct option is Jude Bellingham, whom he suggested could operate as a nine. “I like him as a nine,” Tuchel admitted ahead of England’s 7-0 win over Croatia. Since the start of the 2026 World Cup, Bellingham has scored 10 times in 12 England matches.

There’s also discussion of more traditional centre-forward options, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds) highlighted for his impact in the Premier League since last summer. But at 29, and with questions around finishing, the article argues he may not be a long-term Kane answer. It also points to tactical flexibility if England ever need to play without a standout No. 9.