Former Premier League striker Michael Owen has outlined who he believes should support Harry Kane in England’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.

With new England head coach Thomas Tuchel assessing his attacking options ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, competition is intensifying to provide reliable backup to the national team captain.

Under former manager Gareth Southgate, Ollie Watkins impressed during England’s run to the European Championship final, notably scoring a crucial goal off the bench. The Aston Villa forward remains firmly in contention if he can maintain strong form in the closing months of the season.

Speaking to GOAL in association with Chilebets.com, Owen said he would select three recognised strikers.

“I would take Kane and another two. I think the squads are big enough nowadays that you can afford to risk three players that you get a good feel for,” Owen explained.

“It’s not like we are talking about extra centre-halves or central midfielders. At the end of the day, there is going to be a part of this competition where we need a goal. Ollie Watkins did it at the Euros — comes off the bench and scores.

“If Kane gets injured or suspended and you’ve only got one centre-forward, then you’re drawing or losing with five minutes left, you’d be a little bit sick if you were thinking we’ve got to push somebody into an unfamiliar position to get a goal.”

Owen suggested that alongside Watkins, either Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Danny Welbeck could provide valuable alternatives.

“Personally, I would go with three recognised strikers. There is a lot to play for. Ollie Watkins is there, Calvert-Lewin, Danny Welbeck — there are options out there. A lot will depend on form for the remainder of the season.”

Calvert-Lewin recently took his tally to 10 goals for the campaign with a strike against Nottingham Forest, while Welbeck has scored eight times for Brighton & Hove Albion.

With only months to go before the World Cup, Tuchel faces a significant decision over which forwards will travel alongside Kane to lead England’s attack on the biggest stage.