Harry Kane enjoyed the finest form of his career in the Bundesliga last term, netting 61 goals across all competitions.
However, time is not on the side of the Bayern Munich forward, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday on 28 July.
The captain, who found the net six times at the World Cup, remarked after the defeat to Argentina that it was “too soon” to discuss appearing at the 2030 finals.
Kane is, nevertheless, almost certain to be available for Euro 2028. Securing a trophy on home soil could prove the final chapter of his international career.
So, the starting role up front should not be an issue, barring injury.
Tuchel’s primary task is to devise an alternative strategy, or to identify a capable deputy should Kane be unavailable.
Phil Foden was handed an opportunity in a false nine position against Uruguay in March, but he underperformed so badly that he was excluded from the World Cup.
Tuchel selected two other central forwards, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney. Yet they were restricted to one minor substitute appearance each.
Watkins, the top-scoring English striker in the Premier League last season with 16 goals, played only six minutes when he came on for Kane against Panama.
Kane played every remaining minute except for stoppage time versus Mexico, when Morgan Rogers replaced him.
Toney, who is also 30, was afforded only the dying moments of added time against Argentina.
This highlights an over-reliance on Kane, and alternatives must be sought to reduce his workload as he approaches 35.
Dominic Solanke (28) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (29) are the only other strikers who have been used by England in the past 12 months.
Watkins, Leeds’ Calvert-Lewin (14) and the 35-year-old Brighton attacker Danny Welbeck (13) were the sole English forwards to reach double figures in the Premier League last season.
Age is not on the side of any of these players, and it is uncertain where the new blood will come from.
It was anticipated that Eddie Nketiah, the all-time record goalscorer for England Under-21s, would be the next prolific striker progressing through the youth ranks.
But the former Arsenal player has managed just five Premier League goals across two seasons at Crystal Palace.
Perhaps Liam Delap, still only 23, who scored 12 Premier League goals for Ipswich Town in 2024-25, will eventually hit his stride at Chelsea – or at another club.
This could become a concern for a different manager after Euro 2028, as Tuchel may feel that having Kane is sufficient for his needs.
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