The clock is ticking for England to unearth a worthy successor to Harry Kane's undisputed throne. With the iconic captain now 33 years old, the national team faces a looming challenge to replace his prolific goal-scoring prowess. The good news? A compelling new contender is emerging.
Key Points: Liam Delap's England Credentials
- England faces a significant void as Harry Kane's international career winds down.
- talkSPORT's Simon Jordan has championed Nottingham Forest striker Liam Delap as a viable long-term solution.
- Delap, 23, has made an immediate impact at Forest, scoring after a challenging £30 million stint at Chelsea.
- England manager Thomas Tuchel is urged to closely monitor Delap's development and consistency.
England's Looming Striker Dilemma
The thought of an England squad without Harry Kane leading the line sends shivers down many spines. The stark reality is that the gap between Kane's elite output and the current crop of attacking options is vast, raising genuine concerns for future major tournaments. Finding a genuine heir is paramount for Thomas Tuchel's plans.
However, a glimmer of hope has arrived from a surprising quarter. Pundit Simon Jordan has thrown his weight behind Nottingham Forest's dynamic forward, Liam Delap, urging the England boss to keep him firmly on the radar. Could the 23-year-old be the answer to the Three Lions' prayers?
The Jordan Backing: A New Hope Emerges
Delap recently announced his arrival at the City Ground with a superb goal in a crucial 2-1 victory against Aston Villa. This immediate impact has ignited discussions about his potential to eventually step into the colossal boots Kane will leave behind. Jordan believes Delap possesses the raw talent to thrive at the highest level.
"Delap might do it, he’s a good player," Jordan stated, reflecting on the striker's journey. "He had a great season at Ipswich in a side that could really compete and he scored a few goals. He went to Chelsea and got lost in the vacuum. That happens to young players. He’s gone to Nottingham Forest, two games in; wallop! He starts scoring goals."
Chelsea Nightmare to Forest Revival
Before his promising start at Forest, Delap endured a deeply frustrating period at Chelsea. He arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2025 for a substantial £30 million fee, having previously netted an impressive 12 Premier League goals during Ipswich Town's relegation season. Expectations were sky-high for the young forward in west London.
Unfortunately, a string of setbacks derailed his progress. A hamstring injury just two weeks into his Chelsea career sidelined him for two critical months. His development was further hampered by constant managerial upheaval and a painful dislocated shoulder, culminating in a disappointing return of just 2 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions.
Delap's Path to Three Lions Stardom
Now, unshackled from his difficult Chelsea spell, Delap is beginning to showcase the talent that first caught the eye. For Thomas Tuchel and the England setup, the coming months will be absolutely vital in assessing the 23-year-old's consistency and impact in the Premier League.
If Delap can maintain his early momentum, secure regular starts, and continue to spearhead the Nottingham Forest attack effectively, an international call-up might not be a distant dream. The journey to becoming Harry Kane's successor is long and arduous, but Liam Delap has just taken a significant, exciting step.
