Thomas Tuchel, England’s national team manager, praised his squad for their 2-0 victory against Serbia in a recent qualifier. He described the win as “intense” and “tight,” highlighting its significance in shaping the team’s plans for the upcoming World Cup.
Key Match Insights
The match took place at Wembley Stadium. Although the atmosphere was affected by a lack of away fans, the game provided important insights into England’s tactics ahead of the World Cup. Tuchel’s decision-making raised questions, particularly regarding player selections.
Player Positions Under Scrutiny
The most pressing question is who will fill the critical No. 10 role for England. Morgan Rogers held this position against Serbia despite Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden being available. Rogers has been in strong form recently, but his performance was not the most impactful.
- Jude Bellingham replaced Rogers in the 60th minute, showing a strong desire to prove himself.
- Phil Foden’s position remains uncertain, as he operated as a false nine.
Competition for Starting Roles
Tuchel’s lineup also featured a competitive battle for the left-wing position. The players in contention include:
- Anthony Gordon
- Marcus Rashford
- Eberechi Eze, who scored a remarkable goal
It appears that either Gordon or Rashford will start based on upcoming matchups in the World Cup, while Jack Grealish faces a challenging path to secure a position.
Emerging Talents
The left-back position is becoming increasingly competitive. Myles Lewis-Skelly, previously considered a starter, is now vying for position against other talents:
- Nico O’Reilly, who debuted against Serbia
- Djed Spence
- Reece James
O’Reilly received praise from Tuchel for his impressive performance and composure during his first match.
Defensive Midfielder Spotlight
Elliot Anderson has emerged as a standout option for the defensive midfield role. His performance in recent matches has caught attention, thanks to his effective passing and solidity on defense.
While Anderson has impressed, the team’s final structure for the upcoming matches remains uncertain. Adam Wharton received limited playtime, indicating Tuchel’s exploratory approach to squad choices. Alex Scott’s recent call-up suggests that options remain open as Tuchel continues assessing player forms and fitness.
Decisions Ahead of the World Cup
As the World Cup approaches, Tuchel has significant choices to make regarding starting positions, particularly concerning player roles like the No. 10 and defensive midfield. Supporters will be eager to see how these elements unfold as the team heads into future fixtures, notably the game against Albania.
