England are spoilt for choice in the forward line but Thomas Tuchel can only fit so many into his squad for the World Cup, with the Three Lions set to continue qualification against Latvia on Monday
Comments
Sport
Updated 22:30, 23 Mar 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Thomas Tuchel, manager of England looks on in the tunnel at half time as Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford talk during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel won't indulge big names(Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel has warned one of England’s big stars could miss out on the World Cup squad. Tuchel insisted England’s success depends on finding the “right team” and not just the best players before next summer’s tournament in the United States.
England boss Tuchel does have an embarrassment of riches with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Rogers, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon all vying for forward places. It would be impossible to get all of them into a 23-man squad, might be a struggle if it is 26-man squads in the United States and that does not even include the likes of Jarrod Bowen who has been in exceptional form for West Ham this season.
Article continues below
Under-21s boss Lee Carsley even tried a disastrous experiment during his time as interim manager by picking them all in the same line-up against Greece - and they duly lost at Wembley. But it was pretty clear from Tuchel’s message that he will not indulge big names and is ready to upset some egos to do what is right for the team and find his winning formula in the next 16 months.
Tuchel, who faces Latvia at Wembley on Monday night, said: “We have to get the process right to find the best group. If that means we leave very good and talented players out of the squad, this can happen.
“In the next 16 months it is important we find the right team and not the most talented 26 players. We need to get the team right. We need to get the team spirit right because it’s one thing to play qualifiers, it’s another thing to play tournament football.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel plans to keep England stars guessing after ditching Gareth Southgate traditionREAD MORE: Anthony Gordon 'unable to walk properly' as Thomas Tuchel issues injury update
“There are a lot of No.10 positions. It’s just not possible we play all these No.10 positions. In the end we need to understand and get the balance right. Is this then in a 3-2 and we have two No.6s and three No. 10s?
“But then the likes of real wingers, like Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, key players, would suffer because the position would not be there. Do we accept that we have less control and we have two wide wingers? Then some No.10s simply cannot play. It has to be balanced.”
Tuchel also dropped big hints that he may change shape against Latvia and that will mean a shake-up if he uses a 4-1-4-1 system with Declan Rice as the holding player and maybe partner Rogers with Bellingham in the middle. But Tuchel insists that Bellingham and Foden can play together even though they both want to play as the No.10 in England’s starting line-up.
Former England boss Gareth Southgate started them both in last summer’s Euros but Foden has struggled to repeat his best performances for Manchester City in an England shirt. Tuchel said: “100 per cent, they can play together. I don’t see one reason why they should not.
Which big name will miss out on the World Cup? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: England's Phil Foden applauds the fans at the final whistle during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Phil Foden has been criticised for his England performances
“The numbers of Phil are unbelievably good for Man City. They are not so good for the national team, so we need to try to build something to see the Phil Foden from Man City. Jude played as a 10 and I think Phil would maybe prefer to play as a 10 and maybe it would suit him even more. In the end, the players have to take what they get.
“I think that Phil can play on the wing, he played on the wing and he can also play as a nine in the middle of the pitch. In general, he’s just missing what these creative players sometimes are missing. Confidence and the flow.
“He’s trying hard, you see the investment in defensive actions. It’s just not really happening that you could say like, ‘Wow’. You see it in the clubs, it’s not only here.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.