Harry Kane is England’s number one striker—fact. Kane is enjoying an amazing run of form at his new club Bayern Munich, where he has scored 21 goals in 15 Bundesliga and Champions League appearances.
That all bodes well for Gareth Southgate and England before next summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
But who are the out-and-out strikers who would lead the line if the unthinkable was to happen and England captain Kane was unavailable?
Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson was recalled to the England squad by manager Gareth Southgate for their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers, but has since withdrawn through injury.
Meanwhile, Ollie Watkins’ goals have helped Aston Villa get off to an impressive start in 2023-24. BBC Sport takes a look at the contenders, while you can vote for who you think should be on England’s plane to Germany with Kane.
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
2023-24 club form: 11 league & cup goals; England career: 3 goals/8 apps
It’s not only Aston Villa who are transformed since Unai Emery took charge.
Former Exeter City striker Ollie Watkins has been banging in the goals to propel himself into Gareth Southgate’s thoughts for Euro 2024.
Will the hitman from Devon make the final cut?
Ivan Toney (Brentford)
2023-24 club form: yet to play; England career: 0 goals/1 cap
Ivan Toney’s England career stretches to nine minutes as a substitute in a Euro 2024 qualifying win against Ukraine after replacing Harry Kane. It would surely be more had he not been suspended for eight months over betting rules in May. He will return to the Premier League stage in January.
Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal)
2023-24 club form: 5 league & cup goals; England career: 0 goals/1 cap
Eddie Nketiah, who has recently notched his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal, has missed out on Southgate’s latest squad following an injury. But the striker will be motivated by the England boss’ encouraging words when asked about his chances of making next summer’s tournament. “He’s an excellent finisher,” said Southgate.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
2023-24 club form: 4 league & cup goals; England career: 4 goals/11 caps
It’s more than two years since Dominic Calvert-Lewin wore the England shirt.
He has not played as much as he would have liked because of injury issues but he has made an impact since returning to action, scoring four times this season including Everton’s winner against West Ham last month.
Callum Wilson (Newcastle United)
2023-24 club form: 7 league & cup goals; England career: 2 goals/9 caps
He might be older than Harry Kane but Callum Wilson is in fine form - with only injury troubles thwarting him. Wilson, 31, clocked up seven Premier League goals to earn a recall to Southgate’s latest squad, although injury has once again forced his withdrawal.
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
2023-24 club form: 1 league & cup goal; England career: 17 goals/57 caps
It’s been a difficult season so far for Marcus Rashford.
Not only have his goals dried up, he was also sent off in Manchester United’s Champions League defeat away to FC Copenhagen last week.
But Rashford retains Southgate’s trust. “He knows we love him,” said the England boss.
“He’s been exceptional in the last three starts with us.”
Rashford is almost certain to be included in the summer squad as a wide forward. Could he be a Plan B to lead the line?
Tammy Abraham (Roma)
2023-24 club form: yet to play; England career: 3 goals/11 caps
It’s almost 18 months since Tammy Abraham last appeared for England - but his first target is just to get fit again. Abraham, who has 25 goals in 75 Serie A appearances, is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury which has ruled him out of Roma’s start to the season.