Thomas Tuchel has achieved an impressive start as England manager, securing nine victories in his first 10 matches. This feat matches Glenn Hoddle’s record from 1996-97, where he also achieved nine wins and one loss in his first 10 games.
England concluded their World Cup qualifying campaign flawlessly with a victory over Albania. This win solidified Tuchel’s outstanding record of eight wins in eight games, with 22 goals scored and none conceded.
This marks the completion of the initial phase of Tuchel’s mission, as outlined by the Football Association after his appointment as Sir Gareth Southgate’s successor: to secure qualification for the World Cup.
Tuchel’s focus now shifts to the next crucial stage: determining his World Cup squad as he aims to end England’s 60-year wait for a major men’s trophy. Key considerations loom as he prepares for the tournament.
England’s win over Albania saw Jude Bellingham start his first international since June
The competition between childhood friends Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers for England’s number 10 jersey adds an intriguing layer to Tuchel’s World Cup preparations.
Tuchel emphasizes that the rivalry can remain amicable, although the German coach has seemingly encouraged this competition to foster a competitive spirit within the squad.
Alongside Declan Rice, Rogers is the only other England player to feature in all 10 games under Tuchel.
Rogers capitalized on his opportunity while Bellingham was recovering from shoulder surgery. Tuchel then maintained his confidence in the Aston Villa player, even after Bellingham’s return.
After a 25-minute substitute appearance against Serbia, Bellingham started in Tirana, showcasing the qualities that make him a focal point of discussion.
Bellingham displayed his passing range, made his signature driving runs, and nearly scored in the second half. However, he also showed frustration, receiving a yellow card for a foul and appearing unhappy when substituted, an incident Tuchel said he would review.
Rogers’ impressive performances have presented Tuchel with a welcome dilemma. Given the anticipated heat at next summer’s World Cup, Tuchel may deploy both “starters” and “finishers,” a role both Bellingham and Rogers can fulfill.
Tuchel is a keen admirer of Rogers, who has made 10 appearances under his management, starting six games and playing a total of 531 minutes. Bellingham has started four games, playing 374 minutes in total.
Tuchel is not one to shy away from significant decisions. He will not be swayed by reputation alone or simply select the most prominent names.
So, who will make the starting lineup?
Despite Rogers’ impressive contributions, Bellingham has proven his ability to deliver match-changing moments at the highest level. This status was further confirmed when Albania’s Kristjan Asllani requested to swap shirts with him at halftime.
Phil Foden will also be under consideration, with Tuchel stating that he views the Manchester City forward as a versatile player who can operate “as a mix between a nine and a 10.”
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer also possesses the skill and potential to force his way into the squad if he recovers from his groin injury.
Ultimately, the decision appears to be between Bellingham and Rogers.
Bellingham’s greater experience in major competitions will likely give him the edge when Tuchel selects his team for England’s first World Cup match.
Harry Kane continued his remarkable England form with a brace against Albania, ensuring a winning end to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Kane, despite being 32, appears to be at his peak. He is both a clinical finisher and a complete player, willing to drop deep and contribute defensively while consistently arriving in the box at the opportune moment to score.
Former England defender Conor Coady told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I don’t want to think of an England without Harry Kane. What he brings to this team is unbelievable.
“The way he keeps on producing these numbers is unbelievable and it is credit to him. He is the first on and last off the training pitch. He is our biggest hope going into next year.”
Kane is indispensable, England’s record scorer with 78 goals in 112 international appearances.
The drop-off in quality is significant when he is not playing. While Kane’s potential replacements are capable, they do not possess his unique skillset.
An injury to their captain is Tuchel’s biggest concern, especially considering the lack of readily available replacements.
Harry Kane has now scored 78 goals in 112 games for England
Brighton’s 34-year-old veteran Danny Welbeck has been mentioned. This is a testament to the striker’s enduring ability, despite last playing for England seven years ago, but it also suggests a lack of depth in that position.
Tuchel noted that Welbeck was “very close” to receiving a call-up for England’s latest camp, adding, “I felt even without knowing him I know what he can give us. Do I really need to see this in November?”
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has been utilized, while Ivan Toney has faded from consideration after being controversially brought in from Saudi Arabia to play two minutes in a friendly against Senegal last June.
Marcus Rashford is capable of playing as a striker, and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has played there for his club, but neither is a natural fit.
Foden has been proposed as a tactical alternative if England requires a main striker, but the reality is that they lack a player who can match Kane’s quality.
As Coady stated, an England without Harry Kane at the World Cup is unthinkable.
John Stones brings class, experience and versatility to England’s defence – so will he start at the World Cup?
John Stones showcased his class and versatility in a hybrid role in Tirana, operating in his usual central defensive position but stepping into midfield when England had possession. This tactical flexibility could provide Tuchel’s strategy with an added dimension.
Former England defender Stephen Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live: “This game against Albania is cementing why John Stones is so vital to this England squad. He is conducting the play from a centre-back position and a centre midfield position. Really impressive.”
A more traditional back four is anticipated at the World Cup, making it a competition between Stones, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa, and Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi for the central defensive spots.
Stones may have an advantage due to his extensive experience, while Konsa and Guehi have both developed as international players, despite missing the win against Albania through injury.
Coady said: “I think it’s really close. Konsa has been outstanding. For me, it’s Stones and Guehi’s to lose. To keep Stones fit for the World Cup is absolutely huge.”
Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah made his long-awaited senior debut against Albania and impressed as he started centrally before moving out wide.
Tuchel must also decide on his left-back with an exciting trio of youngsters leading the race.
Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tottenham’s Djed Spence and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly have all been handed senior debuts by Tuchel, but it is O’Reilly who started and impressed in the final two qualifiers.
Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, currently out injured, may be in the lead for that place, with Lewis-Skelly left out by Tuchel because of lack of game time this season. O’Reilly may have edged ahead of Spence after this camp.
It is still a position up for grabs.
Marcus Rashford assisted Harry Kane seven minutes after coming on against Albania
Bukayo Saka has nailed down the right wing slot, so who will play on the opposite side?
Marcus Rashford made a strong impression with a superb cross for Kane’s second goal in England’s World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Rashford has made his case, but Gordon has also impressed, while Tuchel is a big fan of Arsenal’s Noni Madueke, currently out injured.
Jack Grealish has performed well on loan at Everton, but faces stiff competition and has not featured for the Three Lions since October 2024.
Eberechi Eze started against Albania and can play on the left or as a number 10, though he is not at the forefront of the conversations to compete with Bellingham and Rogers in that role.
If Rashford aimed to leave a lasting impression on Tuchel, his excellent assist for Kane’s second goal provided the head coach with significant food for thought.
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