Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank challenges striker Dominic Solanke to earn a spot in England’s World Cup team through strong performances. Solanke, sidelined for much of the season due to ankle surgery, has returned with intent, netting two goals in three matches since his first start. These contributions have sparked an improved run of form for Spurs.
Solanke’s Case for England Selection
Frank emphasizes Solanke’s potential when fully fit. ‘It’s for Thomas Tuchel and his staff to take that decision in the end, but I think that Dom, when he is 100 per cent fit, sharp and performing, should be in the mix,’ Frank states. ‘All his qualities are there to be selected.’
At 28, Solanke has limited time—less than two months—to impress England head coach Tuchel ahead of March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. He earned three caps under previous manager Gareth Southgate and featured in Tuchel’s initial squad last year, though unused. His most recent appearance came in a 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in November 2024.
Tuchel included Solanke in England’s March camp last year and noted a clear understanding of his contributions to the team. Ollie Watkins remains the established backup to Harry Kane, despite a recent hamstring injury at Aston Villa. Other contenders this season include Ivan Toney in Saudi Arabia, Brighton’s Danny Welbeck, Chelsea’s Liam Delap, and Leeds’ Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Tammy Abraham’s £11 million transfer back to the Premier League with Villa from Besiktas also targets World Cup opportunities after five years abroad.
Competition intensifies, yet Frank sees Solanke thriving post-injury via goal-scoring prowess. ‘I never set targets; they do that for themselves,’ Frank explains. ‘I just analyze and try to improve the process in terms of training, getting in right areas, video clips, things like that. Most strikers, and I mean the guys who score the most goals, are inside the 18-yard box scoring from small slide passes, crosses and cut-backs, and he is very good in those situations.’
Spurs perform better with Solanke up front, aligning with Frank’s tactical shift to a three-center-back system with wing-backs. This setup enhances players like Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani, who appear more at ease, particularly in European fixtures including two of the last three Champions League games.
Commitment to Retaining Kolo Muani
Frank remains firm on keeping loanee Randal Kolo Muani despite his inconsistent form. Juventus attempted to recall the France international last week from his season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain, following a successful stint at the Italian club last season. Kolo Muani had hoped for a permanent move then, but it fell through, and his time in London has suffered from fitness setbacks.
Undeterred by a car accident en route to the airport, Kolo Muani scored the opener against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday—his third goal for Spurs. When asked about retaining him, Frank responds decisively: ‘Yes, next question.’ He adds, ‘I really hope this goal and the performance can give him some confidence. I always liked his qualities. He gives us a different dimension. That one-v-one ability and pace is frightening. His goal is well taken, being in the right position inside the six-yard box. Also, his ability to go in behind. Sometimes you need rhythm. Hopefully now we are on the right end of things and he can be better.’
Frank notes adaptation challenges for Simons and Kolo Muani. ‘Xavi has been on a positive trajectory for a while,’ he says. ‘He is progressing, looking more dangerous, but no doubt the pace and the physicality in the Premier League is higher, so there’s a bit of adaptation for him and Kolo.’
