Thomas Tuchel warned ‘predictable’ Harry Kane ‘can become a problem’ for England as ex-Premier League striker explains why Ollie Watkins is ‘better fit’ to spearhead 2026 World Cup bid

In order to lead England’s assault, Thomas Tuchel should put more faith in Ollie Watkins than Harry Kane, according to former Premier League striker Chris Sutton.

WHAT OCCURRED?
The official start of the Tuchel era in England is scheduled on January 1st, when the German coach assumes leadership of the Three Lions. The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich coach’s ultimate objective is to lead the squad to a World Cup victory in North America in 2026, capping a 60-year trophy drought.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

THE LARGER IMAGE
Chris Sutton, a former forward for Chelsea and England, has warned Tuchel about his management of captain Kane before he takes on one of the most difficult managerial tasks of his career. “The German manager should trust Watkins to lead the team’s attack at the 2026 World Cup rather than depending on ‘predictable’ Kane,” Sutton said.

CHRIS SUTTON’S COMMENTS
“Kane never runs in behind,” Sutton wrote in his Daily Mail column. He is predictable as a result. He is excellent on the half turn when he drops deep, but you don’t want to be predictable, thus you need players to stretch backlines. You need to have that danger throughout the entire game, whether it’s Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, or Noni Madueke. Because you can count on Kane to drop in as a defender and not stretch it the other way, England becomes predictable when he plays.

“I don’t believe that his athleticism or physicality will become better over the course of the next 18 months. He was never going to reach the channel when a ball was put into it during the second half of Sunday’s match at Wembley. Tuchel must therefore consider if Kane is the most qualified player to start in the World Cup. I doubt that he will be.

“I have complete respect for him, the way he’s carried himself throughout his career,” he continued. He is a fantastic finisher and goal scorer. However, it could become an issue if you don’t give him opportunities, in which case you’ll need someone who is less predictable.”

THIS WATKINS CASE
Sutton went on to explain why he believes Watkins will be a better fit as the team’s starting No. 9: “Ollie Watkins is less predictable when it comes to centre backs and who they would prefer not to play against. You have no idea if he will come to your feet or stretch you in behind. As a striker, you must constantly force defences to think.

“Backwards is the one position where centre backs do not want to be taken. Watkins moves like that, just like when he first entered the game in the Euros. It appears to be more balanced and a better fit. If you have a centre forward that plays that manner, it will give opposing defenders more to consider.”

WHAT WILL HARRY KANE DO NEXT?
The English captain will now play club football again on Friday when Bayern Munich, the league leaders, play Augsburg.