Speaking to Leeds Live, Michael Owen suggested that Thomas Tuchel might try something different as his plan B
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
09:00, 27 Mar 2026
Dominic Calvert-Lewin during his last appearance for England in 2021
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin during his last appearance for England in 2021(Image: Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Michael Owen believes Thomas Tuchel may decide not to field a number nine should Harry Kane become unavailable for England at any point during the World Cup, thereby reducing the need for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
It is unclear how many back-up strikers Tuchel will take to North America for this summer’s finals, with Leeds United ace Calvert-Lewin - who has not played for England since 2021 - brought into this month’s squad to be assessed more closely by the Three Lions boss.
Aside from Kane, Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke is the only other natural centre-forward in the 35-man camp, though the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Marcus Rashford have the ability to lead the line.
Tuchel sees both Solanke and Calvert-Lewin as a similar striker profile to Kane and it could be a shoot-out as to which one gets the nod if no more than two number nines are taken across the pond.
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As the England boss explained last week: “Harry Kane is not in camp in the beginning, so I want to see them both. I want to know more about Dom Solanke…
“Dominic Calvert-Lewin has had a good season with Leeds and is very decisive. Both are good penalty takers, by the way, so I want to see what they're capable of.
“I want to see if they can fill the gap, what they can bring, what they can offer with set pieces, of course with their strengths and their body and the height that they bring.
“So I want to learn about them and let's see, like I said, the competition is on. They will compete now for minutes against Uruguay [on Friday].”
England hero Owen - who scored four World Cup goals - believes Calvert-Lewin needs to make an impression by using his skillset to show he is deserving of a place on the plane, given that Tuchel might not need many back-ups.
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He told Leeds Live: “I think it’s about squad unity and togetherness, so it’s so important for players to fit into the group. There isn’t a lot the manager can learn from players over this camp.
“He will know what each player can bring to the squad, he knows the key players who will start for England in the World Cup, if fit, so it’s important for Tuchel to pick a squad where he can trust players to come and impact the game.
“So in any of the games coming up it’s important for players like Dominic to impact a game when he plays. So if he can do that, then he becomes valuable to Tuchel.”
Owen added: “I do believe that if Harry Kane doesn’t start from the off during the World Cup, then Tuchel will go with a false nine. Whether that is Jude Bellingham or Anthony Gordon has played in that position for Newcastle, this will be his route.
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“However, to impact a game the same way as Ollie Watkins did for England during the last Euros, then yes, Dominic can definitely be a threat given his ability in the air plus also in the box and hold up play.”
Michael Owen was speaking to Leeds Live courtsey of the official UK ambassador for Casino.org, a trusted comparison website highlighting the best online casinos for UK players.