Thomas Tuchel’s England side continues to evolve as the team progresses under his leadership. While several players have stepped up to impress in recent matches, including emerging star Myles Lewis-Skelly and resurgent forward Marcus Rashford, one key issue remains unresolved—the Phil Foden conundrum.
Despite being one of the most talented attacking midfielders of his generation, Foden’s role in the England setup remains a topic of debate. With Tuchel experimenting with different tactical setups, questions still linger about how best to utilize Foden’s unique skill set within a system that has already produced standout performances from others.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: A Star in the Making
One of the biggest positives from recent England matches has been the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly, a dynamic young midfielder who has injected energy, composure, and creativity into the team. At just 18, he has shown maturity beyond his years, making a seamless transition from youth football to the senior stage.
His standout qualities include:
- Ball-carrying ability: Lewis-Skelly is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and driving forward with it.
- Composure under pressure: Unlike many young players, he does not panic when pressed by opponents.
- Versatility: He can play both as a deep-lying midfielder or in a box-to-box role, making him a valuable asset.
Against strong opposition, Lewis-Skelly displayed exceptional ball control, moving effortlessly between the lines to link up play. His defensive contributions were equally impressive, as he tracked back to break up opposition attacks while also providing a passing outlet for teammates.
Tuchel, who has been known for his preference for tactically disciplined midfielders, seems to have found a gem in Lewis-Skelly. If he continues at this rate, he could become a mainstay in England’s midfield for years to come.
Marcus Rashford A Resurgence Under Tuchel
Another player making headlines is Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United forward has been inconsistent at the club level in recent months, but under Tuchel, he seems to have rediscovered his best form.
Against top-tier opposition, Rashford was electric, using his blistering pace and sharp movement to trouble defenders. His ability to cut inside from the left, create chances, and finish clinically has made him one of England’s most reliable forwards.
Key factors in Rashford’s resurgence under Tuchel:
- Tactical Clarity – Unlike at club level, where his role has sometimes been unclear, Tuchel has deployed Rashford in his preferred position on the left.
- Confidence Boost – The manager’s trust in him has visibly lifted Rashford’s confidence, allowing him to play with more freedom.
- Counter-Attacking Threat – In a Tuchel setup that values quick transitions, Rashford’s speed is a lethal weapon.
His goal-scoring instincts were on full display in recent matches, where he combined well with his teammates and showed an improved composure in front of goal.
If Rashford continues on this path, he could re-establish himself as one of England’s most dangerous attacking options, especially heading into major international tournaments.
The Phil Foden Conundrum
While Lewis-Skelly and Rashford’s rise is a positive, the biggest dilemma for Tuchel remains Phil Foden. The Manchester City playmaker is one of the most technically gifted players in the squad, but finding his best role for England has proven challenging.
At club level, Pep Guardiola has found a way to maximize Foden’s abilities, deploying him in different roles depending on the tactical needs of the team. However, for England, the same formula hasn’t worked as seamlessly.
Where Should Foden Play
- On the Wing?
- While Foden has been used on the left wing, it doesn’t play to his strengths as much as it does for Rashford or Bukayo Saka.
- He often drifts inside, creating congestion in central areas instead of stretching the defense.
- As a Central Attacking Midfielder?
- This is arguably his most natural position, where he can dictate play and create chances.
- However, England’s system under Tuchel doesn’t always accommodate a traditional No. 10.
- As a Deep-Lying Playmaker?
- Some pundits suggest Foden could be deployed deeper, similar to Kevin De Bruyne’s role at Manchester City.
- However, this would require defensive discipline, something Foden is not accustomed to.
The Tactical Puzzle
The challenge for Tuchel is to fit Foden into a balanced system that gets the best out of his creativity without compromising England’s overall shape.
With Rashford excelling on the left, and Lewis-Skelly proving to be an effective midfield option, Foden’s best position remains uncertain. If he plays centrally, it might require shifting the formation to accommodate him.
For now, Tuchel faces a difficult decision:
- Does he persist with Foden in a wide role, where he is less effective?
- Or does he reshape the midfield to fit Foden’s strengths, potentially at the expense of other players?
Until that question is answered, Foden’s role in the England squad will continue to be debated.
Tuchel’s Tactical Adjustments Moving Forward
With Lewis-Skelly emerging, Rashford finding form, and Foden’s role still unclear, Tuchel has some big tactical decisions to make.
Possible solutions:
- A More Flexible Midfield Approach
- Instead of sticking to rigid formations, Tuchel could adopt a fluid midfield structure, allowing Foden to roam freely.
- Experimenting with Foden in Different Roles
- Tuchel may trial Foden deeper in midfield or in a more advanced role depending on the opposition.
- Rotating the Squad More Often
- Given England’s squad depth, Tuchel may rotate Foden with other players based on the tactical needs of each game.
With important fixtures ahead, England’s tactical evolution under Tuchel will be closely watched, especially as the manager looks to refine his system before major tournaments.
While Myles Lewis-Skelly’s rise and Marcus Rashford’s resurgence provide optimism for England, Phil Foden’s role remains a pressing issue for Tuchel.
- Lewis-Skelly looks like a future midfield general, offering energy, vision, and defensive awareness.
- Rashford is regaining his confidence, proving he can be a key attacking threat.
- Foden, despite his immense talent, still lacks a clearly defined role within the system.
As Tuchel continues to refine England’s tactics, finding a way to unlock Foden’s full potential will be one of his biggest challenges. If he succeeds, England could have one of the most dangerous attacking lineups in world football.
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