Gabby Agbonlahor believes Liam Delap should be targeting a spot in the England squad at next summer's World Cup.
The Three Lions are on course to qualify for the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA having won all three of their qualifiers so far.
Delap has been told to target a place in England's World Cup squad
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Delap has been told to target a place in England's World Cup squadCredit: Getty
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JUNE 16: Liam Delap of Chelsea FC runs in the field during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group D match between Chelsea FC and Los Angeles Football Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 16, 2025 in Atlanta, United States. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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The striker has impressed for Chelsea at the Club World CupCredit: Getty
However, new Chelsea striker Liam Delap was not involved despite an impressive campaign with Ipswich.
The 22-year-old scored 12 goals in 37 Premier League appearances despite the Tractor Boys' relegation.
He has since earned a £30million move to Stamford Bridge, opening his account for the Blues on Tuesday.
Delap's strike against ES Tunis at the Club World Cup means he now has a goal and an assist in just 149 minutes of action for the club.
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His latest performance impressed Agbonlahor, who feels a place in Tuchel's World Cup squad as a possibility for the forward.
The talkSPORT co-host told Breakfast: "He’s not here to be a bit-part player. He’s at Chelsea to be a number one striker and I really think he will.
"If I’m him, I’m saying to myself, ‘what’s my target? World Cup, that’s my target next summer.’"
Delap has yet to make an appearance for the England senior squad but did train with them squad during the March international break.
He also has three goals in 12 caps for the Three Lions at under-21 level.
Tuchel named Ivan Toney as his second striker behind Harry Kane for the matches against Andorra and Senegal at the end of the campaign.
Tuchel's striker options remain uncertain beyond Harry Kane's inclusion
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Tuchel's striker options remain uncertain beyond Harry Kane's inclusionCredit: talkSPORT
Delap trained with the Three Lions senior squad in March but is currently uncapped
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Delap trained with the Three Lions senior squad in March but is currently uncappedCredit: Getty
However, the Al Ahli man played just two minutes against the latter with the race to join Kane on the plane seemingly up for grabs.
As for Delap, he could still add to his Chelsea goal tally at the Club World Cup after they reached the knockout stage.
Their victory over ES Tunis was enough to see Enzo Maresca's side into the last 16, where they will face Benfica.
Speaking after his first strike, Delap revealed: "It's an incredible feeling. I came here to get goals so to get the first one over and done with is a great feeling.
"It was a great pass from Enzo but luckily it went in. Yes, I think it is a little bit of relief, not relief but an extra bit of confidence, when coming to a place like this you need confidence and belief.
"It's right up there [with my favourite goals] and it means a lot to me.
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"Obviously, this tournament has helped me settle in because back at the training ground everyone disappears at 3pm but here - we are together all the time and it has helped me settle in.
"I know the manager really well so hopefully I can continue growing."
Chelsea will face Benfica on Saturday, with the winners meeting either Palmeiras or Botafogo, both Brazilian clubs, in the quarter-finals next week.