Dominic Solanke: Why Tottenham Hotspur striker can provide ‘dilemma’ for England, Thomas Tuchel ahead 2026 World Cup

TNT Sports

Owen Hargreaves picked Dominic Solanke as the leading candidate to go to the 2026 World Cup with England as the back-up to captain Harry Kane. Thomas Tuchel has a tough selection to make, believes his fellow TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist, and Ollie Watkins, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Welbeck were all named as potential alternatives to the Tottenham forward.

Ally McCoist believes it is between Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to go to the 2026 World Cup.

Harry Kane is the England captain and his exceptional form for Bayern Munich in his third season in Germany means there is no other option for the starting striker role, assuming he remains fit for the summer tournament in North America.

However, with a deep and versatile squad needed to stand the best chance of success at the World Cup, McCoist, speaking ahead of Manchester United's Premier League clash with Tottenham, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, says he thinks that Thomas Tuchel is spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a back-up forward.

He named Solanke of Tottenham, Leeds United’s Calvert-Lewin, and Aston Villa forward Watkins as the trio leading the race for a call-up.

All three have had their moments so far in the 2025/26 season, but Solanke has struggled with injury and is now back in action for Tottenham - and he scored both goals in Spurs’ recent 2-2 draw against Manchester City, which took some of the pressure off manager Thomas Frank.

"The good thing for Thomas Tuchel is he’s got a dilemma which he didn’t have a couple of months ago," McCoist explained.

"Solanke’s come back and has looked the part, Calvert-Lewin is another one that has come from nowhere, Everton fans must be scratching their heads as Calvert-Lewin is keeping himself fit, Watkins has always been in the equation."

Ultimately, McCoist suggested that the most important factor in the decision could be which player stays fit during the business end of the domestic campaign.

He added: "He’s now got something to think about. Solanke’s form recently, he’s still got a good bit to go. I think a lot will happen between now and when the squad’s getting picked in terms of fitness, which I think will be important."

'He's the most versatile'

With Kane the near-certain first choice for Tuchel and England, Owen Hargreaves thinks the German manager would look for a player who can change the game as a substitute, and who would be content with a spot in the squad rather than the first XI.

"They're all good, but they're all different and I think it will depend on what he will want to bring from the bench," he said.

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"He might also want someone who is good around the group. I’m not saying any of them aren't, but somebody who can sit on the bench, and it not be an issue because that is something I think has been an issue in the past."

Hargreaves added Brighton’s veteran forward Danny Welbeck as a potential option, but ultimately plumped for Solanke, concluding: "I think he’ll probably go. He’s the most versatile, he can drop off a bit and play like Harry physically. But it depends on fitness.

"Danny Welbeck has had a brilliant season, Ollie Watkins obviously, Calvert-Lewin - it’s great to see him back fit and healthy.

"Thomas has got a big call. Dominic Solanke, I’ve always liked his game, I think he’s got a bit of everything."

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