Thomas Tuchel Backs Ruthless Call to Drop Harry Kane if Forward Doesn't Perform Ahead of World Cup 2026

England Captain's Euro 2024 No-Show Sparks Concern

Harry Kane’s disappointing performances during Euro 2024 have ignited speculation about his role in the England national team moving forward. Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has fueled the discussion, stating that a ruthless decision may be required for the 2026 World Cup if Kane continues to underperform.

Tuchel Supports Dropping Underperforming Stars

In a recent interview, Tuchel emphasized the need for form over reputation. Despite Kane being England's all-time top scorer and team captain, Tuchel hinted that no player should be immune to benching.

"You have to be willing to make tough calls," said Tuchel. "If a player's not in form, even if it's your captain or leading goal scorer, the team must come first."

England's Euro 2024 Campaign Raises Eyebrows

England’s exit from Euro 2024 was met with criticism, particularly aimed at their frontline. Kane, who was expected to lead the attack with authority, failed to find consistent form throughout the tournament. This underperformance has now prompted pundits and fans alike to question whether his automatic selection is still justified.

Gareth Southgate Faces Big Decisions Before 2026

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Gareth Southgate is under increasing pressure to evolve his squad. Younger talents such as Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, and Tammy Abraham are proving their worth and could be considered for starting positions if Kane doesn't bounce back.

Potential changes ahead of 2026 include:

• Prioritizing in-form strikers over seniority
• More game time for emerging stars in upcoming qualifiers
• Emphasis on squad depth and tactical versatility

Can Kane Regain His Form?

Despite a prolific debut season at Bayern Munich, Kane’s international performances have dipped noticeably. Many analysts believe a reset or shift in approach might rejuvenate the striker's contributions for England.

The clock is ticking for the England captain to prove he can still lead the line at a top international level. With the World Cup approaching, the spotlight will remain firmly on Kane and Southgate’s squad decisions.

Final Thoughts

While Harry Kane remains a legendary figure for England, his guaranteed starting role is now under scrutiny. With support from influential voices like Thomas Tuchel, the message is clear: performance matters more than prestige. England must evolve if they are to challenge for silverware in 2026.