Michael Carrick should learn from the success Ollie Watkins has brought England at Euro 2024 to address a key Middlesbrough issue.
The 2024/25 Championship season is now less than one month away, kicking off on Saturday, August 10th.
Middlesbrough began their third season under Michael Carrick with a clash versus Swansea City at the Riverside Stadium.
Before club football resumes, however, there is the small matter of England reaching the Euro 2024 final.
Boro legend Gareth Southgate is once again in the Three Lions’ dugout and saw his side face off with the Netherlands on July 10th.
England went 1-0 down early on but were able to pull a goal back after Harry Kane converted from the spot following a questionable penalty decision.
Southgate’s men dominated the remainder of the first half in Germany but saw their attack stifled after the break.
That was until Ollie Watkins came on in the 81st minute and scored the winner for his country 10 minutes later.
Michael Carrick must address Middlesbrough striker issue
Throughout Euro 2024, Southgate’s inability to make substitutes at the right time has led to plenty of backlash.
However, the former Middlesbrough coach got his changes spot on versus the Netherlands, with Cole Palmer assisting Watkins for the winner.
Now, Boro’s current boss should learn from the Watkins winner and address the club’s striker problem.
A new centre-forward remains a priority for the club in the current window but there has, so far, been little movement in terms of a potential incoming.
If Middlesbrough do eventually bring a striker in, it should be someone similar to the profile of Watkins.
The Englishman is a quality option and could easily start ahead of Harry Kane on a regular basis.
This quality depth up front has landed England a place in their second European Championship final and Boro should learn from this.
Middlesbrough need better backup for Emmanuel Latte Lath
Emmanuel Latte Lath will lead the line for Middlesbrough going into the 2024/25 season.
The Ivorian scored 16 goals in 30 league matches last term and in this scenario, is Boro’s version of Kane.
At present, however, the North East outfit do not have a Watkins-style player waiting to come on and win the game.
Josh Coburn is the current backup option for Latte Lath but he is simply not good enough to start regularly for Boro.
Coburn scored five Championship goals in 2023/24 and if Middlesbrough want to stand a real chance of winning promotion in 2024/25, he should be upgraded.