Thomas Tuchel has indicated that Harry Kane is unlikely to be the only natural centre-forward in England's World Cup squad. Elliot Anderson is expected to start in midfield for the upcoming matches in North
America. England aims to conclude their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a perfect record, having already secured seven wins in Group K.
Kane has been instrumental against Albania, contributing to seven goals in three games, with five goals and two assists. This performance matches his highest goal tally against a single nation, equalling his record against San Marino. He has been more prolific only against Bulgaria, with four goals and four assists.
In the recent 2-0 win over Serbia, Kane was substituted after an hour. Phil Foden took on a false nine role and assisted Eberechi Eze's decisive goal. Tuchel praised Foden's versatility but anticipates having at least one more traditional striker alongside Kane next summer. "I don't think so," Tuchel said when asked if Kane would be the sole striker.
Tuchel emphasised the importance of a balanced squad for the World Cup. "We will go with a very balanced squad," he stated. Although he hasn't selected a World Cup squad before, he believes in including diverse talents and personalities. While not ruling out a single-striker strategy, Tuchel expects to have more than one classic number nine.
Ready to go again in Albania @England
November 15, 2025
In midfield, Tuchel seems confident with Nottingham Forest's Anderson partnering Declan Rice. "Elliot and Declan are at the moment ahead in midfield," Tuchel noted. He highlighted their strong partnership and mutual complementarity. Declan was substituted after 65 minutes against Serbia for rest, while Elliot played the full match.
This season marks Anderson's first experience with European football at Nottingham Forest. The coaching staff will monitor his fitness closely through reports from the physio team.
Defensive Record on the Line
England's defence has been formidable, securing nine consecutive competitive clean sheets. They are now poised to equal Spain's record for successive shutout victories by a European team, set between October 2014 and June 2016.
Sylvinho, Albania’s coach and former Arsenal player, acknowledges England’s strength ahead of their clash in Tirana. "Unfortunately, I have to say they are stronger than six months ago," Sylvinho remarked about England’s impressive form.
Sylvinho expressed admiration for England's statistics but remains optimistic about his team's chances. "The numbers are amazing," he said, adding that anything can happen in football over 90 minutes.
