In the current Premier League season, only eight English strikers have taken the field. Notably, 22-year-old Liam Delap from Chelsea stands out as the sole striker under 26. This situation raises concerns about the future of English strikers.
Health of the Squad
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has demonstrated his capability as a backup to Harry Kane during Euro 2024. His semi-final goal played a vital role in securing England’s spot in the final. However, Watkins has been rested for the current squad due to an ongoing fitness issue.
Calls for Kane’s Rest
Former England player Wayne Rooney advocates for managing Kane’s playing time. He suggested that Kane should refrain from playing for England until the next World Cup. Rooney explained that the team does not need to see Kane in action again, emphasizing the importance of resting key players.
Global Striker Shortage
Rooney and former striker Emile Heskey have voiced concerns regarding the declining number of traditional number nines in football. According to Rooney, this trend is not exclusive to England; it reflects a global shift in the sport.
- Rooney believes many players aspire to emulate stars like Mo Salah or Lionel Messi.
- Today’s forwards often have less involvement during matches compared to the past.
- They must exhibit ruthlessness akin to that of players like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Changing Dynamics in Football
Heskey noted that the role of forwards has drastically evolved. During his playing days, strikers were responsible for a wide range of tasks. They often chased balls into channels and capitalized on flick-ons. Today’s tactics significantly reduce the responsibilities of forwards.
Now, number eights and wingers often take on more roles, leaving traditional forwards less engaged. This shift indicates a broader change in football, affecting how teams deploy their attacking players.
As the dynamics of the game continue to shift, the question remains: will England cultivate the next generation of strikers to meet future challenges?
