Former England striker Emile Heskey has expressed concern over the scarcity of natural number nine strikers coming through to replace veteran Harry Kane. Heskey, who made 62 appearances for England between 1999 and 2010, believes that finding an out-and-out striker is becoming increasingly challenging.
Heskey feels that in the past, it was clear who would be the next leading number nine for England, but this has changed significantly over the years. He attributes this to the way the game is now being played, with teams opting for more flexible and dynamic formations that don't require a traditional number nine.
The current crop of strikers in English football lacks natural width and finishing ability, making it difficult to rely on them as goalscorers. Heskey's own sons, Reigan and Jaden, are forwards who have made their first-team debuts for Manchester City, but he believes that they are not yet ready to fill the gap left by Kane.
The Wayne Rooney Show interview also highlighted the trend of teams playing with wingers rather than traditional strikers. This shift in tactics has reduced the need for an out-and-out number nine, making it harder to find a replacement for Kane.
Kane himself is 32 years old and may not be able to continue as England's main striker beyond the World Cup. Rooney suggested that Kane shouldn't play for England again until after the tournament, given his advanced age and the need for him to rest before returning to club football.
Heskey agrees with Rooney's assessment, saying that it's time to find a new generation of strikers who can take the mantle from Kane. However, finding an out-and-out number nine is proving difficult, and England's reliance on Kane remains a concern.
Heskey feels that in the past, it was clear who would be the next leading number nine for England, but this has changed significantly over the years. He attributes this to the way the game is now being played, with teams opting for more flexible and dynamic formations that don't require a traditional number nine.
The current crop of strikers in English football lacks natural width and finishing ability, making it difficult to rely on them as goalscorers. Heskey's own sons, Reigan and Jaden, are forwards who have made their first-team debuts for Manchester City, but he believes that they are not yet ready to fill the gap left by Kane.
The Wayne Rooney Show interview also highlighted the trend of teams playing with wingers rather than traditional strikers. This shift in tactics has reduced the need for an out-and-out number nine, making it harder to find a replacement for Kane.
Kane himself is 32 years old and may not be able to continue as England's main striker beyond the World Cup. Rooney suggested that Kane shouldn't play for England again until after the tournament, given his advanced age and the need for him to rest before returning to club football.
Heskey agrees with Rooney's assessment, saying that it's time to find a new generation of strikers who can take the mantle from Kane. However, finding an out-and-out number nine is proving difficult, and England's reliance on Kane remains a concern.
, I think Heskey is spot on about the current state of English football forwards 
. Those modern strikers just aren't as effective at holding up the ball and creating scoring chances like the old guard used to be 
. And with teams switching to more flexible formations, it's getting harder for anyone to find their natural rhythm 
️. I'm curious to see if any young players are going to come through and shake things up soon 
... he's only 32 and it feels like they're not getting any younger, you know? I mean, my boys are always talking about football and how tough it is for them to make it as forwards, and I can imagine it's only gotten tougher for Kane. It makes sense that teams are playing more wingers now, but that just means there's less space for a real striker like Kane 
... I feel like England needs to start investing in youth development programs or something, so they don't have to rely on one player all the time. My little Jaden is already getting pressure to perform at his club team and it's exhausting watching him 
... I guess what I'm saying is, let's hope Kane can still do his thing for England, but also prepare ourselves for when he might not be able to do it anymore 
my mate has 2 kids playing for the man city academy and his one of them is already getting looks from the first team its like where did we go wrong?? 
thats why we need more freedom in the game so we can find players with actual pace and skill 
I don't blame Emile for being concerned, but at the same time, I think we need to give some credit to the way the game has evolved 
. Teams are getting smarter and more adaptable, which means players have to be too 
. Kane is still an amazing goal-scorer and his experience will be invaluable at the World Cup 
. Let's see how England adapts and finds a solution without relying too much on Kane 
, so we gotta find some new young guns to replace him ASAP! its kinda hard 2 find sum1 who can fill his boots tho 
. And Kane's not getting any younger 
, what if he really does hang up his boots? 
England needs to find a new superstar 
, but it's tough when nobody seems natural-born 
. Maybe they should just go for a young gun 
and hope they develop into the next Kane?! 
. I think Emile Heskey makes some good points about the lack of natural width and finishing ability among strikers these days, it's definitely changed the game. Those dynamic formations are fun to watch but we need someone who can just finish chances for us 
come on emile heskey 
, you're telling me that the game has changed so much that we need a specific type of player now? like, what even was the point of having a 4-4-2 team anyway? 
just saying. and btw, wayne rooney is still spouting nonsense about kane's age 
anyone got a decent squad to fill his shoes? meanwhile reigan heskey's playing for man city and he's not even done 10 pro games yet... something's gotta change, lol
And I agree that Kane's age is a concern, but can't we just start giving younger players some more minutes in the starting lineup? 
Still, I guess what Heskey's saying is valid... we do need to start thinking about finding a new generation of goal-scorers who can carry England forward after Kane retires. 
- Wayne Gretzky 
His sons are starting to show some promise but let's be real, they've still got a long way to go 
And the way teams are playing these days is just making it impossible for them to develop into top strikers 
& we need some new talent to step in 
emile heskey is spot on tho, it's like they're lookin for strikers who can do EVERYTHING rn 
and it's hard to find a striker who just scores goals