Tuchel Faces Selection Dilemma Ahead of World Cup
Thomas Tuchel may have a point regarding his squad selection for England as he navigates a tight lineup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a 2-0 victory against Serbia, the coach discussed the challenges of incorporating stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden into the same formation effectively.
In particular, the final quarter of Thursday’s match showcased England’s tactical flexibility. Operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout, Tuchel opted for significant substitutions after a first-half goal from Bukayo Saka. With Kane and Morgan Rogers exiting the field, Foden stepped up as a false nine, and Bellingham moved into a more advanced role.
The substitutions allowed for greater attacking options, with Eberechi Eze taking over on the left flank and Jordan Henderson stepping into midfield for Declan Rice. This tactical shift led to a more dynamic attacking presence as the game unfolded.
The culmination of this new arrangement was an exciting sequence that nearly resulted in another goal. Bellingham assisted Foden, whose clever flick set up Eze, whose initial shot hit the crossbar. Soon after, Bellingham found Foden again, who precisely assisted Eze for a curling strike into the top corner, securing the victory.
With Serbia energetically chasing a goal to keep their qualification hopes alive, Tuchel’s changes provided a glimpse into a different attacking dynamic, suggesting a promising future for the team.
Interestingly, Tuchel acknowledged players not included in the current roster, such as Danny Welbeck, when discussing Foden’s potential role as a “Plan B.” Emphasizing Foden’s adaptability, Tuchel stated, “If Phil stays in this shape, I have no problem. We have alternatives to consider that I prefer not to disclose.” He referenced other options like Ollie Watkins as potential substitutes for Kane.
Former coach Gareth Southgate primarily utilized Foden as a winger during Euro 2024, limiting his influence on the game. However, Tuchel has recognized Foden’s potential as a central player, a role he has played with success at club level under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
Tuchel’s experiences against Foden in his previous managerial role further affirm his belief in Foden’s exceptional skills in tight spaces. He noted that Foden’s agility and movements posed significant challenges for defenses, enhancing the team’s overall attacking capability.
Despite Kane’s status as England’s all-time leading goal scorer and his current form at Bayern Munich, Tuchel acknowledges the necessity of developing a deeper squad to thrive in the upcoming World Cup. With options like Rogers and the dynamic pairing of Bellingham and Foden, England appears to be heading in a promising direction.
England will continue their qualifying campaign against Albania, after achieving seven consecutive wins, scoring 20 goals with none conceded thus far. Tuchel’s approach of prioritizing merit over reputation, as seen in his decision to keep Rogers in the lineup despite controversy surrounding Bellingham’s initial exclusion, indicates a fresh strategy moving forward.
Ultimately, Tuchel’s innovative tactics promise exciting potential for England’s future matches as he seeks to exploit the strengths of his squad.
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