Thomas Tuchel told 42-cap England star can be reliable Harry Kane World Cup replacement
Danny Welbeck should be Harry Kane’s deputy at the 2026 World Cup.
That’s the view of former Liverpool star Adam Lallana who believes the 35-year-old Brighton star has the reliability and the experience vital for the tournament.
Kane remains England’s captain and the first name on the team sheet for manager Thomas Tuchel as he rips up the record books.
Both in Germany and on the continent in the Champions League with Bayern Munich, the 32-year-old is firing home goals aplenty.
Alongside Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, the trio have netted a total of 100 goals this season having all scored against Paris Saint-Germain in one of the greatest European games of all-time.
Kane on his own has 54 strikes in 46 appearances, enough to get even the most pessimistic England fan excited about the nation’s hopes in Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
However, despite the ex-Tottenham superstar’s prolific campaign, there remains uncertainty over his understudy.
Three Lions boss Tuchel has given Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Solanke, and even Phil Foden a chance to audition for the role.
However, none have been able to make certain they will make it onto the plane this summer, especially with Solanke suffering another injury issue.
Ollie Watkins served as Kane’s deputy at Euro 2024 and a recent resurgence in form could well see him sneak the spot.
But 34-cap England star Lallana insists there is another man who can do the job and has World Cup experience, having been to the 2014 and 2018 editions of the tournament.
Speaking at the launch of the Panini FIFA World Cup 2026
Official Sticker Collection at Wembley Stadium, Lallana knew instantly who Tuchel should turn to.
sticker will be one of the most hunted by fans Sticker Official Collection
“Danny Welbeck,” he replied. “I know he missed out on the squad in March but I just think his form this season [has been great], I’ve played with him, I know how reliable he is. I know the experience he’s got.
“I don’t think it just has to be Welbs, I think [he can go alongside someone else], whether that’s Calvert-Lewin or Watkins or Solanke, although he has picked up an injury now as well.
“I’m quietly hoping Welbs gets called up.”
Having not been selected for the recent friendlies with Uruguay and Japan, many feel Welbeck’s chances are gone.
However, Lallana doesn’t believe he’s totally out of the picture yet.
“I don’t think he’s been overlooked,” he added. “I reckon he’s been in their plans. I think the last camp he probably wanted to have a look at Solanke and Calvert-Lewin. He obviously knows what Watkins can do.
“I still think there’s a chance, especially with the form. He’s scored 13 goals I think so far this season. He’s been to World Cups before. I’m a bit biased but that’s my opinion.”
Lallana was at Wembley Stadium as Panini launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Sticker Collection.
Landing your own sticker is a right of passage for Three Lions stars and the ex-Liverpool star has great memories of collecting as a kid too.
He told talkSPORT: “I just remember trading and swapping and my blazer pockets at school being filled with cards, and getting told off at school for putting stickers away. That’s what my big memories are of Panini.”
Swapping duplicate stickers with friends as always is one of the great joys of collecting, but some are just too good to let go.
Asked by talkSPORT which teammates’ sticker he wouldn’t trade, Lallana offered up an extremely impressive trio.
He said: “I think the three biggest players I’ve got of my old teammates would be Steven Gerrard, probably the ultimate that I wouldn’t be swapping. Wazza [Wayne Rooney] and probably Paul Scholes.
Official Sticker Collection at Wembley Stadium Official Sticker Collection
Official Sticker Collection Official Sticker Collection
Sticker Official Collection
Legendary Chelsea defender Gary Cahill also joined Lallana, David James, John Barnes at the collection launch.
He also offered up a stunning trio of stickers he’d never swap.
“Oh, that’s a tough question. Wayne Rooney,” Cahill said.
“Who else would I go with? Harry Kane. And… Maybe David Beckham.”
Adam Lallana was speaking at the launch of the Panini FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Sticker Collection at Wembley Stadium. To order the product, visit Panini.co.uk
All 104 games at the 2026 World Cup this summer will be live on talkSPORT, talkSPORT 2 and the talkSPORT app
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Angry
0
Sad
0
Wow
0
