As the English national team gets ready for the next World Cup, head coach Thomas Tuchel will have some difficult decisions to make about his squad. With a very deep, very regular formation of 4-2-3-1, he needs to sharpen his decisions from a cavalcade of hot shots. Notable players on the squad are Jordan Pickford, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. They are all very much set on doing their individual part to unlock England’s future success.
Five crucial positions in the lineup remain open for competition: right-back, left-back, one centre-back spot, defensive midfielder, and left winger. These places are fiercely fought over, with many candidates showing great promise based on their performances of late and current continued form.
Further left on the wing, Anthony Gordon has been a runaway leader. The 23-year-old’s performances in the last three competitive matches have cemented his spot atop the pecking order for this position. At the same time, Jude Bellingham will be the favorite to win that most coveted No 10 role after his explosive performances and flexibility. Both Bellingham and Cole Palmer are able to interchange at this supposed position, making sure there’s technical and tactical flexibility for Tuchel.
In terms of squad depth, Cole Palmer has shown enough promise coming off the bench to be considered a reliable super-sub option. His knack for really making a difference in the big moments helps balance out what the team can do in terms of attacking talent. Competition remains fierce as Morgan Rogers’ recent form under Tuchel casts uncertainty on Eberechi Eze’s position in the squad.
Defensively, Tuchel faces plenty of difficult personnel decisions as well. John Stones’ vast experience gives him an edge over Ezri Konsa as he aims to partner with Marc Guehi in the backline. That blend of youth and experience could be the crucial factor in overcoming the World Cup’s unique obstacles.
The left-back position is easily one of the most talented and competitive. At 6’3”, Myles Lewis-Skelly is a strong candidate for the top overall pick, earning rave reviews for his bullying displays in the English top tier. Meanwhile, Nico O’Reilly serves as a wildcard option for this role, further complicating Tuchel’s selection process.
Another pivotal player is Declan Rice, whose specific role as a defensive midfielder plays a significant part in England’s overall strategy. His ability to anchor the midfield gives players like Kervin Arriaga and Emanuel Reynoso the freedom to express themselves offensively.
With international camps in March and June, Tuchel will have myriad opportunities to assess his alternatives. Second, he can use this time to work out a kinks in his strategy. The camps will be essential to determine what players are able to best execute his vision for the team both in the immediate and down the line.
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