IT is the No1 debate – or should that be, No9 debate – England fans have been having over a few beers up and down the country for years.
Just what the heck do we do if Harry Kane gets injured?
The topic has been a pub-talk staple for nearly a decade, ever since 78-goal Kane became the main man for his nation.
It seems hotter than ever right now, three months before a scorching World Cup kicks off in North America this summer.
And with none of the back-up striker options offering compelling evidence as to why it should be them who goes as Kane’s understudy, we look no closer to answering this key question.
Even boss Thomas Tuchel does not seem to know what to do.
The German gave the two Dominics, Solanke and Calvert-Lewin, a chance to impress in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
But after watching the namesakes toil against Marcelo Bielsa’s La Celeste side, Tuchel did not rule out taking NO recognised centre-forward alternative to Kane at all to the States.
Here, SunSport’s Tom Barclay assesses the ‘Kane-tenders’ at the former Chelsea boss’ disposal – and argues why the solution is an option Tuchel has yet to try out.
DOMINIC SOLANKE
Caps: 3. Goals: 0.
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THE man most in possession of the shirt right now could be playing in the Championship by the time the World Cup kicks off.
Solanke, 28, is in a real battle to prevent what happened to him with Bournemouth six years ago happening again with plummeting Spurs this term.
His selection by Tuchel came as something of a surprise in itself, given his form since returning from a five-month ankle injury.
On paper, six goals from January onwards is a good return, but those who watch Solanke regularly have noticed he is some way off from impacting games like he can.
Tuchel was praiseworthy of Solanke’s work-rate after his third cap for his country against Uruguay.
The German commented: “I liked the effort today from Dom Solanke. He worked his socks off. He worked like a dog, honestly, up there.
“He was our first defender, he made the press, he made a lot of sprints and intensive runs.”
Solanke is perhaps the most similar to Kane in profile with his hold-up play but his goal-scoring record at the top level leaves a lot to be desired.
DOMINIC CALVERT-LEWIN
Caps: 12. Goals: 4.
SURELY it is all over for the Leeds striker’s World Cup chances, who was cut from Tuchel’s bloated squad on Saturday.
Calvert-Lewin was given a chance as a second-half sub versus Uruguay, playing his first game for England in five years.
But you could sense from Tuchel’s post-match answer on the 29-year-old that he did not seize his opportunity – especially when miscuing a routine header from a Cole Palmer cross.
Tuchel surmised that DCL did “quite well” but added: “It took Dom Calvert-Lewin a little bit to get the press right and to play with the same intensity (as Solanke).
“Then he had a big chance and he’s upset with himself because it’s a chance made for him on his head, six metres out, so normally it’s a clear goal.
“So he could have made a statement straight away.”
After his return, Calvert-Lewin posted on Instagram: “An honour to be back wearing the England shirt, loved every minute.”
But if he got a minute of action in the States this summer, it would be a shock.
OLLIE WATKINS
Caps: 20. Goals: 6.
TUCHEL said his decision to leave out Watkins from his latest squad was “more down to the fact that I know what Ollie Watkins can bring to the group”.
While the Aston Villa striker himself was expecting the snub because “my form has not been that great”.
It is true Watkins, 30, has struggled this season, with just ten goals for Villa.
But Tuchel has never seemed completely convinced by him, giving the ex-Brentford man just 59 minutes of action in total since taking over.
That is despite Watkins scoring arguably the most important goal in England’s modern history – that unforgettable 90th-minute winner off the bench against the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 semi-final.
Perhaps Watkins’ latest blank by Tuchel could be a last-gasp tactic from the German to inspire some end-of-season form going into this summer’s tournament – but it seems unlikely.
DANNY WELBECK
Caps: 42. Goals: 16.
THE highest-scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season, whom Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer both deemed very unlucky not to be in the latest squad.
Brighton’s Welbeck has a career-best 12 league strikes this term, including a match-winning double against Liverpool two days after his latest international omission.
Tuchel has been reluctant to call up the 35-year-old, but seeing how his other candidates to be Kane’s back-up have performed, he must be seriously considering it now.
Welbeck has the best form out of all the viable options, good tournament experience, and has played under extreme pressure for his country, Manchester United, and Arsenal before.
His goal record for England is impressive and he is aging like a fine wine.
His veteran status may seem off-putting at first.
But evergreen Welbeck looks to have more left in the tank than most at his age, and seems to be making up for lost time when injuries plagued him earlier in his career.
As for being a good influence on the group, just listen to young Albion team-mate Jack Hinshelwood, who is well-liked by Tuchel and his staff.
The 20-year-old said: “Danny as a person is unbelievable. I know he’s someone who could come in and influence the changing room in positive ways.
“He’s a real driver of the standards we’ve got at the club. And he’s the ultimate professional.”
NO STRIKER AT ALL
TUCHEL was asked after Uruguay if the draw had made him think anymore about taking no recognised back-up striker at all – and he did not rule it out.
The German replied: “This decision is not made. For sure, not made.”
And some would say there is a good case as to why maybe it is not worth using up a spot on an unconvincing Kane alternative.
Everyone knows Kane will play every minute of the World Cup that he is needed – so whoever does go as his understudy will spend most of their time warming the bench.
Tuchel has a few players who can play makeshift striker too including Anthony Gordon, who has become Newcastle’s first-choice No9 anyway, and Marcus Rashford.
The German even tried Phil Foden as a false nine in November’s 2-0 win over Serbia.
Then again, who knows what state we will find Kane come June after a monster campaign that began in a roasting-hot US at the Club World Cup with Bayern and ends in the same sweltering location with his country?
The 32-year-old looked out of form and fitness at the last major tournament, to such an extent that many called for him to be dropped.
Should a repeat occur this summer, Tuchel would be foolhardy not to take at least one back-up.
Barring an electric end to the season from Watkins, Welbeck should be that man.
