With 50 days to go until the first World Cup, chief football writer John Cross examines the form of England’s forwards, with goals from Saka, Rashford, Maduke, Gordon, Palmer and Rodgers dwindling.
Apart from the prolific Harry Kane, England’s forwards are underachieving heading into the World Cup.
Harry Kane is enjoying a record-breaking season that could see him win the Ballon d’Or.
England captain Marvel, who scored 53 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich, looks set to end his career.
So any question of where England’s goals will come from should start by remembering that Thomas Tuchel is currently the hottest striker in world football.
However, Tuesday marked 50 days until England’s first World Cup match against Croatia on June 17, and goals suddenly became a concern.
If England adopt a 4-2-3-1 system as expected, the problem becomes even more acute as the supply line and who else will score will be a big concern.
Bukayo Saka has a total of 11 games for club and country, but it has been a very stop-start due to injury, with just two games this calendar year.
Marcus Rashford has 14, but only three since the end of January. Anthony Gordon has scored 18 goals, but perhaps his mind is elsewhere, as goals have been as rare as starts in recent weeks.
Jarrod Bowen may be in top form as he single-handedly tries to drag West Ham to safety. But even he hasn’t scored in the Premier League since January 31st. He is reliable when it comes to assists.
Noni Madueke has had a tough time at Arsenal, Morgan Rodgers is set to score just two Premier League goals in 2026 and Jude Bellingham is yet to score since returning from a hamstring injury.
This is a serious concern for England manager Tuchel, who has yet to decide exactly who will serve as Kane’s backup, let alone who will score and score to make his team a strong force.
It’s not just statistics. You can tell when a team is flowing and about to score. There are too many players around England’s set-up who look tired, tired and out of form after a grueling season.
Suddenly, Tuchel may have to consider other options like Bowen (who is at least playing well) on the right. Bellingham could be fresh, which would be a bonus after his injury.
But England have some serious problems to solve when it comes to goals, even though they have arguably the most lethal striker on the planet at the moment.
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Here, Cross talks about the players he saw live this week – Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Leeds in the FA Cup semi-final – and gives his latest assessment of the team as a whole.
You will have the opportunity to express your opinion in the article, so please participate.
This week’s England player ratings
Chelsea’s Trevo Chalovar celebrates with supporters after the FA Cup win over Leeds (Image: News Images/NurPhoto)
Trevor Chalobah
Match Rating: 8/10
He played solidly as the center of Chelsea’s defense. He was strong in the air, had pace on the ground and read the danger signs.
Current form: 8/10
This month will be an important month for him as he was out for a month due to injury. After Chelsea’s terrifying run of form, we reflected on their form at Wembley.
England team rating: 8/10
Tuchel really likes him. Bayern Munich wanted him. I rate him highly. I think he’s in the same league as John Stones, Ezri Konsa and Mark Gehi.
cole palmer
Match Rating: 6/10
The change was made in the second half at a time when the game was already progressing and it was very difficult to judge anything from it.
Current form: 7/10
The most important thing here is that he is back to fitness and playing after missing the game against Brighton. I like that he’s been wearing an armband lately because it shows that he’s growing taller.
England team rating: 8/10
Slightly ahead of Phil Foden, but there’s plenty of competition. But more and more, I feel like if I can prove that I’m healthy, I might go.
dominic calvert lewin
Match Rating: 6/10
I couldn’t take any big chances, and I didn’t get many other chances either.
Current form: 7/10
He continues to do well and is a key part of Leeds’ consistent run, with Leeds heading towards safety.
England team rating: 5/10
His chances were surely snuffed out with a header at Wembley. Now there are people ahead of him as Harry Kane’s running mate.
Do you agree with John Cross? Share your opinion on the England national team’s slider below, both internally and externally.
England player ratings – Likelihood of getting on a plane
goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford 10 Dean Henderson 9 James Trafford 8 Aaron Ramsdale 6 Jason Steele 6
defender
Mark Gehi 9 Ezri Konsa 9 John Stones 8 Trevor Chalobah 8 Dan Byrne 7 Harry Maguire 6 Jarel Quansah 6 Fikayo Tomori 4
right full back
Reece James 8 Tino Libramento 8 Ben White 5
left full back
Nico O’Reilly 9 Lewis Hall 8 Jed Spence 6
midfielder
Declan Rice 9 Elliot Anderson 9 Jordan Henderson 7 Koby Mainu 7 James Garner 7 Adam Wharton 6 Alex Scott 6
No10s
Morgan Rogers 9 Jude Bellingham 9 Cole Palmer 8 Eberechi Eze 7 Phil Foden 5
right wing
Bukayo Saka 8 Jarrod Bowen 8 Noni Maduke 6
left wing
Marcus Rashford 8 Anthony Gordon 8
strikers
Harry Kane 10 Ollie Watkins 7 Dominic Calvert-Lewin 5 Dominic Solanke 4 Danny Welbeck 4
