Chris Waddle knows a thing or two about England’s attacking history.
The former Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Marseille winger earned 62 caps for England between 1985 and 1991 and was one of the standout players of the Italia ’90 generation. At club level, Waddle won three Ligue 1 titles with Marseille and reached the 1991 European Cup final.
Now, he is looking at England’s future after Harry Kane—and he is not exactly feeling optimistic about the succession plan.
“I don’t see anyone at Harry Kane’s
level with what he’s produced over the years. I don’t see anybody at the minute who can do that job, though someone usually comes along eventually. We used to produce a lot of top goalscorers over the years, every club had one, and most were English. When you look at the top teams now, the center-forwards are mostly not British or English. So it’s very difficult to see who’s going to take over,” Waddle told talkSPORT Bet, who offer the latest sports betting. “It might end up being a converted winger or someone currently in the squad. Harry is good for the next EUROs, though I’m not sure about the next World Cup.
“If he keeps himself fit and sharp, no problem. But after Harry Kane, I really scratch my head wondering who we have to replace him in that number nine position. I haven’t seen one yet.”
That last part really sums up the problem for England. Kane is not simply England’s all-time leading scorer; he has become the focal point of the entire attack, combining elite finishing with playmaking and the ability to drop deep to bring teammates into the game.
Finding another striker who can replicate all of that is going to be a massive challenge. England may eventually find the next Kane. As Waddle points out, though, nobody has emerged yet who makes you think the transition will be easy.
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