Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be Harry Kane's Heir Apparent

Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in a fifth successive league game

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England is blessed with a world-class striker in Harry Kane. England’s all-time leading goalscorer is not merely elite; he is a generational, once-in-a-lifetime talent. Barring injury, Kane is a certainty to lead the line when England begins their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17.

The far more intriguing question, however, is who serves as Kane’s understudy. For England head coach Thomas Tuchel, that decision represents both a dilemma and an opportunity.

Missing Profile in England’s Squad

While England boasts an abundance of attacking midfielders capable of scoring goals—Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and the often-overlooked Jack Grealish among them—they lack a true number nine capable of replicating Kane’s profile when rotation or rest becomes necessary.

With Kane entering his thirties and North America’s oppressive summer heat looming, England must carry a legitimate alternative striker. Relying on false nines or makeshift solutions could prove costly during a condensed tournament schedule where fatigue will play a major role.

Why the Usual Options Fall Short

Ollie Watkins appears the most likely candidate, largely due to his versatility across the front line. Yet despite Aston Villa’s remarkable title push, Watkins has scored just three goals in 17 Premier League matches this season. For a backup striker, that output raises legitimate concerns about reliability in decisive moments.

Discussions have also mentioned other names, such as Danny Welbeck and Ivan Toney. Age works against Welbeck, while Toney’s lack of competitive football following his move to Saudi Arabia clouds his readiness. Both options feel compromised.

The Case for Dominic Calvert-Lewin

That leaves one obvious, if controversial, alternative: Dominic Calvert-Lewin. If Tuchel were selecting his World Cup squad today, Calvert-Lewin would deserve serious consideration.

In recent seasons, Calvert-Lewin became an effortless target for criticism. Everton’s decision not to renew his contract appeared to signal the end of both his nine-year tenure at Goodison Park and his standing as a top-flight striker. His numbers—12 goals and four assists across three seasons—were undeniably underwhelming.

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Injury Issues

Context, however, matters. Since the 2018–19 season, Calvert-Lewin has spent nearly 600 days injured. Everton’s broader struggles, marked by repeated flirtations with relegation, further obscured individual performances across the squad.

A summer move to Leeds and a long-awaited run of fitness have transformed Calvert-Lewin’s trajectory. His recent brace against Crystal Palace pushed his season tally to seven goals in 15 matches, already surpassing his most productive campaign since 2021.

If fitness holds—and that remains the defining caveat—Calvert-Lewin offers England something few others do. His size, aerial dominance, and athleticism make him a rare traditional target striker in the modern game. He thrives on crosses, direct play, and physical duels inside the box.

Tournament football often demands more than technical brilliance. England already possesses a wealth of creativity, but sometimes, stubborn defenses demand a more blunt approach. In exhausting conditions, the ability to introduce a physically imposing forward late in matches could become invaluable.

Fit Over Fame

Calvert-Lewin may not rank among England’s best 26 players on pure talent alone. But squad selection has never been about assembling the most gifted individuals. As Sir Alf Ramsey famously noted, it is about choosing players who fit the system.

If Thomas Tuchel hopes to end England’s 60-year wait for a major trophy, versatility will be essential. That means embracing multiple tactical approaches—and selecting players capable of executing each one. Calvert-Lewin may not be the obvious choice, but he could be the right one.

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