Our writers have their say on the England team Thomas Tuchel should pick for the Nations League game against Spain
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Jordan Pickford and Trent Alexander-Arnold were key discussion points as we picked our England XIs(Image: Getty Images)
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England begin the process of healing their World Cup wounds when they take on winners Spain in the Nations League on Saturday night.
A third-placed finish would normally be reason to celebrate for a country that has only ever won the tournament once, but the manner of their exit against Argentina clouded the positive sentiment.
Thomas Tuchel has copped plenty of criticism for the way his side caved in against Lionel Messi and Co, despite him claiming "99.9 per cent" of interactions with fans since have been positive. The biggest test will be how a sold-out Wembley crowd reacts to the German.
The build-up to the game hasn't been ideal for Tuchel, with a string of players withdrawing, including Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford. However, he still has a quality squad at his disposal, with several fresh faces now having the opportunity to impress the head coach during the extended international window.
John Cross
This is a great opportunity for three key players. James Trafford may well be England No. 1 by Euro 2028. This campaign might be the time to give him a proper chance and provide proper competition for Jordan Pickford.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is a must at right-back for his technical quality, passing range and delivery. Alex Scott is such a good player on the ball. He could dovetail with Elliot Anderson and be the player to keep the ball, cherish it and use it.
Mikael McKenzie
'Where is Bukayo Saka?' you're going to ask here. I've been asking the same question for the past 18 months. That's exactly why we need to try something different and give Rio Ngumoha a chance.
Thomas Tuchel afforded Noni Madueke way more minutes than many expected at the World Cup, so he is clearly unsettled on his right-wing option. Likewise, in goal, James Trafford is the future and will be Jordan Pickford's successor. It's time for a changing of the guard.
With no Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham can seamlessly play a little deeper. There seems to be some sort of agenda against Morgan Gibbs-White. He was the best player in the Premier League at the back end of last season and has been great again this year. He deserves a chance.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka may have to settle for a place on the bench(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
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Dan Burnham
If it weren't for injuries, Jarrad Branthwaite would already be established as the rock of the next generation of England's defence. Now's the time to fix that with Ezri Konsa pushing out to right-back, where he's far superior to Jarell Quansah.
Branthwaite's Everton team-mate James Garner gets the nod over Alex Scott to partner Elliot Anderson in the absence of Declan Rice. There's not much to separate them but Scott and Anderson feel slightly similar in terms of player profiles, with Garner offering a more defensive element.
James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White
James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White were late call-ups to the squad(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
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Nathan Ridley
For all the flak Thomas Tuchel has copped since that night against Argentina, it seems people have forgotten how poorly England defended at the World Cup. Just two clean sheets - against Ghana and Panama - underlined why the Three Lions couldn't go all the way.
That's why I'd pick a sturdy back four in front of Jordan Pickford - pending Lewis Hall's fitness. Jarrad Branthwaite and Marc Guehi should complement each other in the centre, and I'd resist the temptation to play Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back in favour of Ezri Konsa.
I'm excited by the idea of Myles Lewis-Skelly partnering Elliot Anderson in midfield, with Jude Bellingham ahead of them, of course. Finally, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon should flank Harry Kane for their work both on and off the ball.
Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel has plenty to ponder ahead of England vs Spain(Image: Getty Images)
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Felix Keith
Trent Alexander-Arnold isn't exactly pulling up trees in Madrid, but he's the only specialist right-back in the squad and I'm all for those instead of converted centre-backs. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been playing in midfield for Arsenal this season and, with Declan Rice absent, deserves a chance to prove himself there for his country.
With doubts over Lewis Hall's fitness, Nico O'Reilly can start at left-back, although, like Lewis-Skelly, his future may lie further forward. Morgan Rogers has been in form since joining Chelsea, but Jude Bellingham is untouchable for England after a stellar World Cup.
Trent Alexander-Arnold training with England
Alexander-Arnold has been backed to start against Spain(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
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Tom Sunderland
Tuchel's full-back selection could be enough to decide this tie alone, and Lewis Hall already has form keeping Lamine Yamal under wraps in the Champions League. Trent Alexander-Arnold starting may look controversial on paper after a mixed start under Jose Mourinho but it's essential England don't fall into regressive tactics by focusing exclusively on what their defence does out of possession.
In Declan Rice's absence, stocking the midfield with Jude Bellingham in a slightly deeper role fits the bill to get him in the game as much as possible. It's also a prime opportunity to hand Myles Lewis-Skelly his toughest engine-room examination as he and Elliot Anderson try to cage the best midfield on the planet.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
Myles Lewis-Skelly could start in midfield(Image: The FA via Getty Images)
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Tom Victor
Seeing as it's the first game back from the World Cup and against strong opposition, now doesn’t feel like the time to experiment too much. That said, the absence of Declan Rice does provide an opportunity to bring in his Arsenal team-mate Myles Lewis-Skelly, someone I felt should have been brought into the World Cup squad for his versatility after Tino Livramento's withdrawal.
Keeping with the Arsenal theme, it's worth combining Ezri Konsa and Bukayo Saka down the right for their familiarity and that provides a chance in the middle for Jarrad Branthwaite after the Everton man's strong start to the season.
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