Can Delap Become Englands Next Forward?⁠

Harry Kane is England’s highest scoring player, will soon have more caps than anyone else and has captained the national side more than any other player of any era. Kane is 33 though and while he could potentially make another World Cup, it’s most certainly not guaranteed. So who leads the line for England when needed now and long term?

The Other No9 Options England Have - 

Ollie Watkins 

Currently playing at Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Ollie Watkins has played for England 24 times, scored 7 times and provided 4 assists. He was part of the squad for Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup. At 30 years of age and now appearing in a weak foreign league, it’s doubtful that he has a long England career ahead of him, supported by him not making the last England squad.

Ivan Toney

As with Watkins, Ivan Toney plays in the Saudi Arabian league with the club Al-Anhi. Toney has 10 England caps, has scored one goal and provided one assist - though has never completed a full 90 minutes. He was a surprising World Cup squad inclusion as he had not been capped for a year (when being called up for an England friendly in June 2026). At the age of 30 and having not made the last squad,  it’s difficult to see him having a long term future.

Domink Solanke

Has only played for England five times and is yet to score. His first cap was awarded in 2017 and it took him almost 7 years to earn his second. He secured a big money move to Tottenham in a deal worth up to £65 following a good season at Bournemouth in 2024. He has not hit double figures goal wise in a season since his move. At the age of 29 and having a poor goals record in the last couple of years, he’s quite easy to ignore.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

As the only one of these five options to be called up for the Nations League in 2026, Calvert-Lewin is probably in pole position to play understudy to Kane at the moment. With 14 caps and four goals he doesn't have an awful scoring record when getting a chance, he has also been in very good form for Leeds, scoring 14 times for them last season and another 4 so far this season. Calvert-Lewin is the youngest of the first four options at the age of 29, though was ignored for the 2026 World Cup squad.

Liam Delap

As the youngest of these five stickers, Delap is also the only one without an international appearance to date (has scored 3 goals in 12 Under-21 appearances). After an exceptional season for Ipswich in 24/25, scoring 12 goals in 37 premier league appearances, he was sought by many clubs when Ipswich were relegated. Delap chose Chelsea and endured a miserable season hampered by injuries, limiting his game time, fitness and confidence. This season he joined Forest for up to £50m and has scored one goal in 6 appearances so far and it is starting to look good.

The Case for Liam Delap

Delap is an imposing 6 '1’’ with a strong muscular build and an aggressive playstyle. While closely resembling an old fashion centre forward / target man, he has very good movement and a good football brain. He can drop deep to link up play (much as Kane does) , has a good touch and has rapid acceleration. His goalscoring will need to improve, but I would argue this season will see him score enough at Forest to finally win an England call-up. If he is Kane’s long term replacement - only time will tell.