When Thomas Tuchel accepted the challenge of managing the England national team, he inherited one of the most talent-rich squads in international football. England’s recent tournament performances—including a European Championship final and a World Cup semi-final—have proven the country can compete at the highest level. Yet, the elusive major trophy remains just out of reach.
Tuchel, renowned for his tactical innovation and meticulous approach, now faces the task of molding England’s golden generation into a team capable of going all the way. But as always with England, selection dilemmas dominate the headlines. Chief among them: how to deploy the wingers, who to trust as the No.10, and ultimately what the best starting XI looks like.
This article will explore Tuchel’s options in detail, dissect the strengths and weaknesses of key players, and outline potential formations that could define England’s future under his stewardship.
Tuchel’s Tactical Philosophy
Before assessing individuals, it’s crucial to understand Tuchel’s footballing DNA.
- Flexibility: Tuchel rarely sticks rigidly to one formation. At Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, he rotated between back threes and back fours, tailoring systems to opponents.
- Positional Discipline: He values structured pressing and careful spacing, ensuring his teams are compact defensively while offering multiple passing lanes in possession.
- High-Speed Transitions: Quick switches from defense to attack are a hallmark of his approach, making wide players vital.
- Fluid Frontlines: Tuchel likes attackers who interchange positions, often blurring the lines between wingers, strikers, and playmakers.
Applying these principles to England means choices in wide areas and in central creative roles are decisive.
England’s Wealth of Wingers
If there’s one area where England is spoiled, it’s on the wings.
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Bukayo Saka
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- Strengths: Versatility, work rate, and intelligence. Saka thrives on the right, cutting in onto his left foot, but he can also cover full-back roles if needed.
- Tuchel’s View: Likely a starter. Saka’s balance of defensive discipline and attacking thrust makes him invaluable in Tuchel’s system.
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Phil Foden
- Strengths: Close control, creativity, and tactical awareness. Foden drifts into central pockets but can also hug the touchline.
- Tuchel’s View: Foden’s ability to interchange between winger and No.10 suits Tuchel’s demand for fluidity. The challenge is fitting him into a system without displacing other stars.
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Jack Grealish
- Strengths: Ball retention, fouls won, and progressive carries. Grealish excels in slowing down play and drawing defenders.
- Tuchel’s View: While Grealish offers control, Tuchel may worry about his defensive intensity. He could be an impact substitute rather than a starter.
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Raheem Sterling
- Strengths: Direct runs, pace, and experience. Sterling has been a stalwart for England in tournaments.
- Tuchel’s View: At his best, Sterling stretches defenses vertically, but recent dips in form might push him down the pecking order.
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Other Options Marcus Rashford Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon
- Rashford: Devastating in transition, inconsistent in buildup.
- Bowen: Industrious and reliable, though perhaps less glamorous.
- Gordon: Rising star, fearless on the ball, with energy Tuchel admires.
The No.10 Conundrum
England’s creativity often hinges on the role behind the striker. For Tuchel, this is perhaps the most fascinating selection puzzle.
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Jude Bellingham
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- Strengths: Dynamism, leadership, goals from midfield.
- Tuchel’s View: Bellingham is almost undroppable, but his best role is debated. At Real Madrid, he thrives as an advanced No.10, ghosting into the box. For England, Tuchel must decide whether to mirror that role or play him deeper.
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Phil Foden
- Strengths: Vision, close control, and flexibility.
- Tuchel’s View: If Bellingham plays deeper, Foden is the natural No.10. But squeezing both into advanced roles risks unbalancing the team.
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James Maddison
- Strengths: Set-pieces, through balls, and flair.
- Tuchel’s View: Maddison may not start ahead of Bellingham or Foden but offers a valuable alternative when England needs creativity against low blocks.
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Mason Mount
- Strengths: Pressing, work rate, link play.
- Tuchel’s View: Having worked with Mount at Chelsea, Tuchel knows his tactical reliability. Mount could be used in matches where pressing and structure are prioritized.
Striker The Focal Point
Every system needs a goalscorer.
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Harry Kane
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- Strengths: Finishing, playmaking, leadership.
- Tuchel’s View: Kane is non-negotiable. His ability to drop deep complements runners beyond him, perfectly aligning with Tuchel’s tactical fluidity.
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Backups: Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney
- Watkins: High pressing and movement in behind.
- Toney: Aerial presence and penalty expertise.
While Kane starts, Tuchel may see Watkins and Toney as tactical weapons off the bench.
Midfield Balance
Alongside the attacking puzzle, Tuchel must structure a midfield capable of shielding the defense while enabling creativity.
- Declan Rice: The natural anchor, irreplaceable in screening the backline.
- Kobbie Mainoo: Composed beyond his years, Mainoo could partner Rice in a double pivot.
- Kalvin Phillips / Jordan Henderson: Experienced options, but both face questions about form and fitness.
Tuchel’s challenge is ensuring that Bellingham (advanced) doesn’t leave Rice isolated. A Rice + Mainoo + Bellingham trio could offer balance between solidity and progression.
Defensive Setup
England’s defense is often criticized as the weak link. Tuchel must decide between a back four or back three.
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Centre-Backs
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- John Stones: Ball-playing defender, essential if fit.
- Harry Maguire: Trusted by past managers but divisive among fans.
- Levi Colwill / Marc Guéhi: Younger options offering mobility.
- Fikayo Tomori: Serie A experience, pace to cover high lines.
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Full-Backs
- Kyle Walker: Vital for recovery runs, capable in a back three or four.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold: Offers creativity but less defensive assurance.
- Reece James: Tuchel favorite at Chelsea, if fit.
- Luke Shaw / Ben Chilwell: Left-back options, though both have battled injuries.
Goalkeeper Question
- Jordan Pickford: England’s long-time No.1, known for big saves in tournaments.
- Aaron Ramsdale: Strong shot-stopper, but inconsistent at club level recently.
- Dean Henderson / Nick Pope: Reliable backups.
Pickford likely remains Tuchel’s choice, but the competition is closer than ever.
Potential Formations
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Option 1: 4-2-3-1 (Balanced Control)
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- GK: Pickford
- DEF: Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw
- MID: Rice, Mainoo
- AM: Saka, Bellingham, Foden
- ST: Kane
This offers width with Saka and Foden while Bellingham pushes forward as a No.10. Rice and Mainoo provide defensive balance.
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Option 2: 3-4-2-1 (Tuchel’s Chelsea Blueprint)
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- GK: Pickford
- DEF: Walker, Stones, Colwill
- MID: James, Rice, Bellingham, Shaw
- AM: Foden, Saka
- ST: Kane
This system allows Tuchel to pack midfield, use wing-backs for width, and free Foden and Saka to play closer to Kane.
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Option 3: 4-3-3 (High Press and Mobility)
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- GK: Pickford
- DEF: Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guéhi, Chilwell
- MID: Rice, Bellingham, Foden
- ATT: Saka, Kane, Rashford
This maximizes pace and creativity but risks leaving Rice overexposed.
The Tuchel Dilemma Summarized
- Wingers: Saka feels untouchable, but Foden, Grealish, and Sterling all demand consideration.
- No.10: Bellingham or Foden—Tuchel must choose who occupies the creative hub.
- Formation: Back three or back four? Tuchel’s decision here will shape England’s identity.
- Balance: Finding the right mix between defensive stability and attacking flair remains the hardest puzzle.
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