Gareth Southgate remained coy on whether Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are fighting for one place in England’s Euro 2024 squad during the upcoming friendlies.
England take on Brazil at Wembley on Saturday before hosting Belgium on Tuesday – their final two games before the Euro 2024 warm-ups in June.
And with Kane rested for the Brazil friendly, having picked up a knock last weekend with Bayern Munich, it is likely both Toney and Watkins will occupy the No 9 role at some point.
Watkins is enjoying a stellar campaign at Aston Villa, with 16 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League, while Toney has scored four goals since returning from his ban with Brentford.
“That is a decision that we have to make,” said Southgate, when asked if it was a case of Watkins or Toney in his Euros squad.
“A nine is a specialist position but they have different attributes. It would depend a little bit on the injury status in other positions in the squad and also having perhaps players that can play more than one role.
“I think both of them are aware that the opportunity is a big one. But they’re both in good form, they’ve both had time with us.
“Ollie’s been with us more recently, of course, and has done well in the games he’s played. He’s had a fabulous season for his club.
“Ivan, since he’s come back into Brentford’s team, has had the impact we expected him to, so they are two very, very good players.”
Beyond Kane, Jordan Henderson and Cole Palmer are out of contention for the Brazil game, while Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka withdrew from the squad on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Jack Grealish and Luke Shaw are among the experienced England players who did not make the squad due to injury.
“Everyone wants simple solutions to complex problems,” Southgate added. “Some players have just been unfortunate. Kane’s injury was when he crashed into the net at the weekend and it’s forced the mechanism with his ankle. He’s had a winter break and he’s not playing in our league.
“Some players have had runs of injuries, some have perhaps played too many games too quickly after coming back from injuries. The intensity of the games could be an aspect.
“Additional minutes in the games could be an aspect. What’s clear is we’ve got a long list of 40-odd players and a third are unavailable for tomorrow’s game, which is the highest we’ve ever had.”
It means Southgate’s line-ups against Brazil and Belgium may look different to their Euro 2024 opener, against Serbia on 16 June, with Shaw and Alexander-Arnold among the more likely absentees who could force their way back into the starting XI.
Nevertheless, Southgate has the chance to experiment, and could hand debuts to Kobbie Mainoo, Jarrad Branthwaite, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa.
The England manager also has regulars to rely on in Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham – all will be expected to feature against Brazil, and also start at Euro 2024.
i‘s predicted England XI vs Brazil: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell; Rice, Gallagher, Bellingham; Foden, Watkins, Rashford.
i‘s predicted England XI vs Serbia on 16 June: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Gallagher, Bellingham; Foden, Kane, Saka.
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