Dominic Solanke has been challenged to fire his way into England’s World Cup squad by Tottenham boss Thomas Frank.
Solanke has missed most of the season after ankle surgery but has returned in the mood for goals.
He has scored twice in three appearances since making his first start of the season, helping propel Spurs into a badly needed upturn in form.
‘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,’ said Frank. ‘All his qualities are there to be selected.’
Solanke, 28, has less than two months to convince England boss Tuchel he might be worth a closer look during friendlies in March against Uruguay and Japan.
He made three appearances under Gareth Southgate and was selected in Tuchel’s first squad but not used, and his last cap came in a 5-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in November 2024.
Dominic Solanke should be in England’s World Cup squad when he’s firing, says Thomas Frank
The Tottenham boss was delighted to see the striker score on his Champions League return
Tuchel included Solanke in his England camp in March last year and said he has a ‘clear picture of what he can bring to this group’
Ollie Watkins, who picked up a hamstring injury playing for Aston Villa on Thursday, is firmly established as Harry Kane’s deputy.
Other centre forwards vying for attention at times this season have been Ivan Toney, playing in Saudi Arabia, Danny Welbeck of Brighton, Liam Delap of Chelsea and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds.
Tammy Abraham’s return to the Premier League, a move to Villa from Besiktas for £11million after five years abroad, also comes with the World Cup in mind.
The competition will be fierce, but Frank believes Solanke once back to his sharpest after the frustration of injury can make his point by weight of goals.
‘I never set targets, they do that for themselves,’ said the Spurs boss. ‘I just analyse 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 have looked a much better team with Solanke leading the line coinciding with Frank’s switch to a new formation with three centre halves and wing backs which is coaxing more from others.
Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani have both looked more comfortable in the system but have also looked more comfortable in Europe and two of the last three games came in the Champions League.
Frank was absolutely sure that he wants to keep hold of loanee striker Randal Kolo Muani
‘Xavi has been on a positive trajectory for a while,’ said Frank. ‘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.’
Juventus tried last week to prise Kolo Muani out of his season on loan at Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain. The France international enjoyed a successful loan at Juve at the end of last season.
He hoped to make the move permanent at the time, but it did not transpire and his first six months in London have been disrupted by fitness issues.
Despite an accident in his car on the way to the airport, he scored the opener at Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, his third Spurs goal, and Frank was unequivocal when asked if he wanted to keep him.
‘Yes, next question,’ replied the Spurs boss. ‘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.’
