England: Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup Plans Are Becoming Clearer – but Big Decisions Remain in Key Positions

England’s Perfect Qualifying Record

England secured a 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley on Sunday, maintaining their perfect World Cup qualifying record. This result not only solidifies the Three Lions’ position in the tournament but also presents Thomas Tuchel with crucial decisions to make as he gears up for next summer’s event.

The No 10 Dilemma

One of the most pressing questions facing Tuchel is who will occupy the pivotal No 10 role. The Aston Villa star, Morgan Rogers, retained his position despite the return of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to the squad. Bellingham’s inclusion after an hour showed a man with a point to prove, while Foden offered more impressive late-game performances.

Tuchel has previously praised Bellingham extensively over the past six months, fueling narratives around their relationship and potential partnership.

However, Tuchel’s decision may not be set in stone. The return of Foden suggests that he could still compete for the No 10 role. With both players now back in contention, the selection process will likely involve careful observation during upcoming matches to determine who performs better under Tuchel’s tactical framework.

Left-Flank Positions

The left flank remains another critical area of decision-making for Tuchel. Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford are currently vying for the starting position, with Eberechi Eze expected to play a supporting role from the bench. While Eze’s goal at Wembley was impressive, his impact is more likely as an impact player rather than a regular starter.

The selection between Gordon and Rashford will depend on their form and fitness in upcoming matches.

Both players have shown high performance during Tuchel’s tenure with England, making it difficult to dislodge them from the squad. Nonetheless, Tuchel might consider alternating these two based on the opponents faced at the World Cup.

Defensive Midfielder’s Role

In a deeper midfield role, Elliot Anderson has emerged as a key player for England. His incisive passing and clean sheets have made him an integral part of Tuchel’s squad. Anderson’s performance suggests that he could be the preferred choice over Declan Rice in this pivotal position.

However, Tuchel still appears open to experimenting with other options, including Jordan Henderson who has been seen in a No 8 role during recent matches. The upcoming match against Albania on Sunday will provide valuable insights into Tuchel’s final squad selections for the World Cup.

Form and Fitness Overhead

Tuchel emphasized the importance of form and fitness in his squad selections, indicating that these factors could influence his final decisions. With several key positions still up for grabs, players will be vying to prove their worth over the coming months.

The selection process is likely to involve a combination of regular performances, recent form, and availability due to club commitments. As Tuchel prepares his squad for the World Cup, the outcomes of these matches will play a crucial role in shaping England’s lineup at next summer’s tournament.

Conclusion

The upcoming matches against Albania and potential opponents at the World Cup will provide Thomas Tuchel with more clarity on his final squad selections. The key positions – including the No 10, left flank, and defensive midfield – remain open, and players like Bellingham, Foden, Gordon, Rashford, and Anderson will be fighting for their spots.

As England prepares to defend their World Cup qualifying record, Tuchel’s tactical decisions and player selections will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. The coming months will determine which players make the final cut for next summer’s tournament in Qatar.