Tuchel sees Bellingham as Kane cover as England beat Czechia

England beat Czechia 2-0 in Prague, and left with a new answer to an old question. Who leads the line when Harry Kane does not?

Kane still delivered. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the Nations League tie, UEFA's competition for national teams, before Kane struck late to seal the win The Guardian. Czechia had been reduced to 10 men midway through the first half. The result lifted England to second in Group A3.

Gordon's opener came from Trent Alexander-Arnold. It was Alexander-Arnold's first England appearance since June 2025, and his cross created the goal. He looked eager to make up for lost time.

Kane's goal was his 87th in 123 internationals. He is 33. Manager Thomas Tuchel backed him to play at the top for another decade and reach 100 for England. Tuchel knows Kane well. He was the manager who took the striker to Bayern Munich in 2023.

The surprise came in the closing stages. Bellingham replaced Kane, led the line and wore the captain's armband. A No. 9, the central striker, is not his usual role. Tuchel said: "I like him as a [No] 9" The Guardian.

England have been searching for Kane cover. Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney were overlooked for this camp. Dominic Calvert-Lewin had come on for Kane during the defeat by Spain.

What makes this stand out is the simplicity of it. For fans, this means no complicated system change when Kane needs a rest, just a familiar face pushed further forward.

England do not wait long for the next test. They travel to Rijeka to face Croatia on Saturday.