Tuchel identifies Bellingham as England striker option after Czechia win

Thomas Tuchel has identified Jude Bellingham as an option to lead England's attack as he considers alternatives to Harry Kane, according to reporting by the Guardian. Bellingham finished Tuesday's 2-0 Nations League victory over Czechia playing up front after replacing Kane, with the England coach pointing to the Real Madrid player's scoring instincts and ability to move across the attack.

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Kane's late goal in Prague took his England record to 87 goals in 123 appearances. Anthony Gordon had put the visitors ahead against a Czechia side reduced to 10 men midway through the first half. The result moved England into second place in Nations League Group A3, while Bellingham took the captain's armband after coming off the bench.

Tuchel said England would need different solutions rather than a direct replacement with Kane's qualities. Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney were not selected for this camp. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who replaced Kane during Saturday's defeat by Spain, has four goals from 13 international appearances. Nottingham Forest forward Liam Delap, 23, has yet to receive a senior call-up, leaving Tuchel to assess how other players could provide cover.

The coach is also developing Bellingham's role behind the main striker. He described a more central number 10 position within a shape closer to 4-2-3-1 than 4-3-3, designed to bring Bellingham and Kane nearer to one another. Tuchel said that arrangement allows Bellingham to support attacks on either side while retaining the freedom to run beyond the defence and arrive in the penalty area.

Tuchel's search for alternatives came alongside strong praise for Kane, not an indication that his international career is nearing its end. The coach backed the 33-year-old to keep playing at the highest level and highlighted his finishing against Czechia. Tuchel, who brought Kane to Bayern Munich in 2023, also welcomed the recognition the striker has received at the German club.

Trent Alexander-Arnold supplied the assist for Gordon's opener on his first England appearance since June 2025. Kane praised both the right-back's attacking distribution and his defensive contribution, as well as his work during the camp. Whether Alexander-Arnold retains his place for Saturday's visit to Croatia in Rijeka remains unresolved, the Guardian reported.