Is England’s next number 9 already waiting to take over from Harry Kane?

Harry Kane’s tenure as England’s leading scorer has produced a series of records, but the striker is now approaching the twilight of his international career. As the Three Lions look ahead, the question of who will inherit the No 9 shirt is becoming a priority for manager Gareth Southgate.

A number of forwards have been mentioned as potential heirs. The likes of Ollie Watkins, who has been a regular in the Premier League, and Marcus Rashford, who brings experience and versatility, have featured in recent squad selections. Younger options such as Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka have also been deployed further up the pitch.

Southgate has used recent friendlies and Nations League fixtures to test alternatives, rotating the front line and giving game time to emerging talents. According to BBC Sport, the coach is cautious about naming a single successor, preferring to assess form and chemistry before making a definitive decision.

While England’s talent pool appears deep, a clear, ready‑made replacement for Kane has not yet emerged. The next few months, including the Euro 2024 qualifiers, will likely provide a clearer picture of who can step into the role permanently.