Injured Kane to Miss Wales Clash – Who Steps Up?

Injured Kane to Miss Wales Friendly – Who is England’s Long-Term Back-Up?

Harry Kane will miss England’s friendly against Wales on Thursday due to a minor ankle injury sustained during Bayern Munich’s 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend.

The 32-year-old England captain picked up the knock after a challenge and was unable to train ahead of the fixture at Wembley. While his absence is considered precautionary, England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed Kane will be rested.

“Harry will miss the game. He got a kick in his last match and it’s too painful to kick the ball. We’re convinced he’ll be ready for Latvia,” Tuchel told reporters.

England face Latvia in a World Cup qualifier next Tuesday, and Kane is expected to return in time for that fixture.

Who Will Captain England in Kane’s Absence?

With Kane sidelined, Tuchel revealed that Jordan Henderson, John Stones, or Declan Rice will captain the side against Wales.

This marks England’s first meeting with Wales since their 3-0 victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Wales boss Craig Bellamy was full of praise for Kane earlier this week, calling him “the most complete player I have ever seen.”

Who Can Replace Kane – Now and Long-Term?

While England are all but guaranteed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America, Kane’s injury raises the perennial question: Who is England’s Plan B at No. 9?

Since debuting in 2015, Kane has scored a record 74 goals in 109 appearances, accounting for 26.4% of all England goals in that span. No other current squad member has more than 18 international goals.

Ollie Watkins

• Position: Centre-forward

• Caps: 19 | Goals: 5

• Club: Aston Villa

  Watkins is the most natural fit to lead the line in Kane’s absence. He famously scored the semi-final winner at Euro 2024 vs the Netherlands. However, he’s had a slow start to the season with just one club goal.

Marcus Rashford

• Position: Forward (Left/Central)

• Caps: 60 | Goals: 18

• Club: Barcelona (loan from Man United)

  Rashford is England’s second-highest active scorer. Though he prefers the left wing, his versatility could be vital if Tuchel looks to stretch defences with pace and mobility.

Anthony Gordon

• Position: Winger/False 9

• Caps: 14 | Goals: 1

• Club: Newcastle United

  Gordon played centrally for England’s U21 Euros-winning squad and could offer something unconventional. But with limited senior experience, he remains a wildcard.

Who Else Is in the Frame?

Outside the current squad, options are limited:

• Ivan Toney: Played against Senegal but now playing in Saudi Arabia.

• Dominic Solanke: Injured and uncapped since 2022.

• Liam Delap: Signed by Chelsea but sidelined with a hamstring injury.

• Jaidon Anthony: Burnley winger and top English scorer in the PL this season (4 goals) but uncapped and not a natural striker.

England’s Dependence on Kane

Kane’s dominance is not just symbolic—it’s statistical. Since his debut, only Raheem Sterling (not currently in the squad) has matched his scoring consistency.

As Tuchel’s England project evolves ahead of the 2026 World Cup, identifying a viable long-term successor or reliable back-up striker remains a key priority.

“It’s a foregone conclusion that we qualify now, and no-one’s taking that No. 9 shirt from Kane—except injury,” said former England keeper Rob Green. “They need to wrap him up.”