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Soccer

Former Premier League striker assesses England's attacking options ahead of the Euros

Ash Rose
Former Premier League striker assesses England's attacking options ahead of the EurosDAZN
Gareth Southgate set to pick his Euro 2024 squad.
Gareth Southgate has some big decisions to make later this month as he whittles down his final squad ahead of England's Euro 2024 campaign. 

One of the calls for Southgate to make is who he will choose as back-up for Harry Kane in England's attack, with a number of options available to the England manager. 

Speaking exclusively to DAZN thanks to Free Bets, former Premier League striker Brian Deane feels the Three Lions boss needs someone who offers an alternative to the England skipper from the bench and has had a look at the candidates. 

"There aren't many like Harry Kane, you know. Let's be honest," said Deane. 

"I think you need someone who is going to offer something a little bit different. I think that because Kane is that experienced, he's a very good all round player.

"Ivan Toney is not. He's not been in great goal-scoring form at the moment. Solanke has had a good season, perhaps, you know, one of those two really, I think.

"Jared Bowen's not a centre forward. For me, he's a wide player or he plays off somebody. Harry Kane is the archetypal flag-bearer type player, and you need somebody who can match his traits ideally.

"Let's say we go in there and he has an injury, who's going to take over? Well, I think aside from Toney, Dominic Solanke can play that role, but options-wise, it is tricky for Southgate." 

However, it's Aston Villa marksman Ollie Watkins, who the former England striker thinks could really make the difference. The forward has scored 27 goals this season and Deane believes he could be a great option in Germany for England. 

Deane added: "Ollie Watkins has had a phenomenal season. I really like him. He's had a phenomenal season and he's got momentum. Thinking about it, I would say him or Solanke. And the reason why I say that is because they offer a lot of mobility in behind.

"I think Toney is an excellent player, but I'm not sure he's been scoring the goals of late that would make him the outstanding contender. 

"I think Watkins in that Villa team has played very well and I think that Villa perhaps play the kind of style that in the Euros, the movement of Watkins will challenge defenders more than maybe a Toney would."

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