Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, has identified Jude Bellingham as a “natural goalscorer” with the potential to step into the role of England’s primary striker, particularly as clear alternatives to Harry Kane remain limited. Bellingham, traditionally an all-action midfielder, featured in a forward position for the final 20 minutes of England’s 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic in the Nations League on Tuesday, coming on as Kane’s replacement.

Despite his usual midfield duties, Bellingham’s goal-scoring record for England has been notable; he holds the record for the most goals scored by an English player at a single World Cup, with seven. Tuchel’s comments underscore a growing belief that Bellingham’s attacking instincts and versatility could see him fill the No. 9 position in the national team setup as Kane’s successors have yet to emerge prominently.

Meanwhile, another rising figure in the England squad is Anthony Gordon, who has seized the opportunity to establish himself on the left side of the attack. Gordon’s recent form has marked a significant improvement: he has scored in England’s last three matches, contributed goals, assists, or won penalties in the past six, and recorded 15 goals and six assists across Champions League and international fixtures since last September, a stark contrast to his earlier career statistics at that level.

Gordon’s move to Barcelona appears to have further elevated his game. He is adapting well to his new club environment, learning Spanish, and displaying confidence both on and off the pitch. His physicality and determination have helped him become a key figure for England, particularly in a position that has been a longstanding challenge for the national team. England’s left-sided attacking role has been characterized by inconsistency and tactical struggles over recent major tournaments, with various players filling the role without fully securing it.

At 25, Gordon looks poised to make the left wing his own for the foreseeable future, complemented by the overlapping abilities of Lewis Hall, who impressed in the recent absence of Nico O’Reilly. The pairing has begun to show promising chemistry under Tuchel, who values club-level relationships when composing his lineups.

While maintaining form at the international level can be unpredictable, Gordon’s confidence and self-awareness set him apart from previous players who have had short-lived peaks with England. His progression suggests the potential for a sustained and impactful international career.

In summary, Tuchel’s England squad is showing signs of evolution, with Bellingham emerging as a potential focal point in attack and Gordon filling a key tactical role on the left side. Their performances offer promising options as England navigates the transition period following Kane’s tenure as the team’s main striker.