England’s Strength but Limited Depth Exposed by Kane and Saka’s Absence

England’s Strength but Limited Depth Exposed by Kane and Saka’s Absence

England’s attacking quality has been a topic of discussion, with many praising the strength and depth of their squad. However, Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Brazil served as a reminder that England still lack depth despite their impressive lineup. The absence of key players like Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane highlighted the limited options available to manager Gareth Southgate.

The potential lineup for Southgate next month is indeed exciting. Players like Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and the aforementioned Saka and Kane have been in phenomenal form this season. These five players have been hailed as some of the best front six in world football. It’s a new level of quality that England has never experienced before heading into a major tournament.

However, it is important to recognize that England’s pool of players, while shining in some areas, is ultimately shallow. Southgate faced a challenging injury crisis with one-third of his 40-man longlist unavailable for the Brazil match. This highlighted the vulnerability of the squad. Even with three superstar players on the field, the absence of just two key players diminished their overall performance.

One notable absence was England captain Harry Kane, who injured his ankle in a collision with a goalpost during a club match. This is a rare international break where Kane will play no part. The last time he did not play a single minute for England was in March 2018 when Southgate was finalizing his World Cup squad. In his absence, Southgate had to experiment with other options upfront.

Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney were both given opportunities to prove themselves as center-forwards. Watkins, being in better club form with 16 Premier League goals for Aston Villa, was chosen for the match against Brazil. While Watkins is undoubtedly talented, the contrast between him and Kane was evident. Kane’s role as the technical leader, captain, and record goalscorer for England is irreplaceable. He brings structure and cohesion to the team, creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Losing him meant losing a crucial element of England’s gameplay.

Another missing player was Bukayo Saka, who has become one of the first names on Southgate’s teamsheet. Saka’s speed, incisiveness, and energy on the right-hand side were sorely missed against Brazil. Phil Foden, who took his place, did not provide the same level of impact in international tournaments. Foden’s future with England may lie on the left rather than in the role Saka typically occupies.

Despite having a talented squad, England lacked cutting edge and imagination without Kane and Saka. Possession did not translate into clear chances, and the team struggled to create opportunities. This match served as a reminder that even with thrilling quality, England remains fragile when key players are absent.

In conclusion, England’s defeat against Brazil highlighted the limited depth of their squad. While they possess exceptional talent, the absence of key players like Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka exposed their vulnerabilities. It is crucial for Southgate to find solutions to cope with the absence of these players, as their cutting edge and creativity will be essential in future matches. England’s attacking strength is undeniable, but without a solid depth of options, their chances of success may be compromised.