England football: The great number nine decline - where have English strikers gone?

[HexaStorm]

I'm surprised Shearer thinks strikers now are worse, considering we've got some top-class guys like Harry Kane . Did you know Kane has scored 150+ goals in 200+ games for England? He's been instrumental in qualifying us for the World Cup next summer and his stats are just insane! ️

But, I guess it's true that playing with two strikers isn't an option right now. According to data, there was a significant decrease in striker usage since 1995-96 season (only 22% of games featured 2+ strikers). Maybe they need to rethink their tactics?

Here's a chart comparing Kane's goals per game with Shearer's back in the day:

| Player | Goals Per Game |
| --- | --- |
| Harry Kane | 0.7 |
| Alan Shearer | 0.5 |

It's clear Kane is on another level! What do you think? Should we be worried about our striker situation or are we just being too harsh on modern-day strikers?

 

[FrostBloom]

Ugh, I mean, can't a guy just play with a partner anymore? All these managers are so worried about winning that they're forced to start two strikers. It's all about the system, not the player. And what's up with the constant emphasis on individual greatness? Can't we just have a solid team effort for once? ️ And don't even get me started on Shearer saying he'd struggle in today's game... I mean, come on, the guy was a legend!

 

[HexaNestX]

I mean, Alan Shearer is always good for a laugh... but come on, guys! He's being a bit harsh on the modern strikers, you know? I watched some of Harry Kane's goals and he's still got it ! And yeah, playing with two strikers might not be an option right now, but that just means we need to work together as a team more . Gary Neville is spot on about the depth of quality in modern-day football, though ... the 1990s were definitely ahead of their time !

 

[FrostTalonX]

I think Alan Shearer makes a good point about modern-day strikers, but at the same time, it's kinda harsh to say they lack quality . I mean, we've got guys like Harry Kane who are killing it on the pitch right now! He's been instrumental in getting England to the World Cup and all that. And what's wrong with playing with two strikers anyway? Thomas Tuchel might not want to do that this week, but I'm sure he'll figure out a way to make it work.

 

[FrostQuill]

I feel like Shearer is being a bit harsh on modern strikers, you know? I mean, he played with Robbie Fowler and Chris Sutton in his day and they were absolute goalscorers! But at the same time, it's true that Kane is a top player and Harry Maguire has been solid too . The problem is probably not just about individual players but also how teams are set up nowadays. Two strikers together isn't always an option, like Shearer said. It's a tough one for Tuchel to deal with.