Thomas Tuchel is coming up with a plan for Manchester City’s John Stones for when the Three Lions compete at the World Cup next summer.
England host Andorra on Saturday before travelling to play Serbia on Tuesday during the current international break, with six points all but securing the Three Lions’ place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
England will be without Stones for the two matches after the defender was sent home on Friday morning after arriving into the English camp with a minor muscle issue.
Tuchel did not want to take a risk with the Man City star; however, the German coach does have a plan for the 31-year-old if he is available for selection next summer for the World Cup.
John Stones and Harry Kane during England training.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
John Stones could be used as a number six
Harry Maguire recently stated that Stones is an unbelievable player who could probably play anywhere on the pitch, and that is a trait Pep Guardiola has taken advantage of in the past, with the defender often stepping into midfield to help control games.
According to the Daily Mail, there has been talk around the England camp that Tuchel could use Stones as a six closer to the World Cup and at the tournament, which would be a big change from how he has been used with the Three Lions before.
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“The way in which England approach cementing their qualification will differ to how they look Stateside,” Jack Gaughan wrote.
“There could be a back three come the tournament, a formation the German excelled with at Chelsea, but something which he insisted will not be experimented with until at least March.
“John Stones, sent back to City with a muscle problem, is consistently being talked up as a deep central midfielder. There are significant tweaks that supporters have not yet seen.”
England’s coaches have been impressed with Stones during the current international break, and only time will tell how Tuchel chooses to use the Man City star.
Thomas Tuchel with his arms crossed during England training.
Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images
How will Thomas Tuchel use the rest of Man City’s England stars
In addition to Stones, there are questions over how Tuchel will use the other England stars at Man City, while there is also a chance that they might not even be taken to the World Cup.
Tuchel told Jack Grealish that he needed to play more, and the winger has taken the German up on that advice by moving to Everton, where the 29-year-old is currently impressing; however, it remains to be seen if he can do enough to break into the plans of the Three Lions boss.
A fascinating scenario when it comes to England is what will happen with Phil Foden. The Man City star is coming off the back of a poor season, and even at his best, the 25-year-old has struggled to produce for his country.
The midfielder is competing with Cole Palmer for the 10 role, and it is fair to say, the Chelsea star currently has the upper hand.
It will be fascinating to see if Foden can get back to his best over the coming months, and if he can, how he will be used with England.