Thomas Tuchel faces a selection dilemma as England prepare to face Panama in their final Group L match, with the team still needing to secure top spot after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana. The England head coach had hoped to rest key players, but the stalemate in New Jersey means he cannot afford to take his foot off the gas.
Fitness concerns add to Tuchel's woes
Declan Rice is one booking away from a ban and played with strapping on his left calf against Ghana, while Reece James is out for at least two games with a hamstring injury. James has a long history of hamstring problems, having missed almost two months at the end of the season. Tuchel's gamble of selecting only three attacking full-backs in his squad is backfiring, with Tino Livramento already leaving the camp and replaced by centre-back Trevoh Chalobah. The responsibility for supporting the wingers now falls on Nico O'Reilly, with alternatives Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and Djed Spence lacking natural attacking instincts. The decision to omit Trent Alexander-Arnold will face increased scrutiny.
England's struggle against low blocks
Tuchel acknowledges his team must improve against deep-lying defences. England were exhilarating when given space by Croatia, Serbia, and Wales, but laboured against Andorra, Albania, and Latvia in qualifying. Against Ghana, Thomas Partey closely marked Harry Kane, limiting the captain to 19 touches and just three passes with Jude Bellingham. Despite 78.8% possession, England did not register a shot on target until the second half. “It is normal that it is difficult for us to overcome these blocks,” Tuchel said. “I haven't found the recipe where: ‘They do this, then we do this and then we are fine.’”
Panama's defensive resilience
Panama, managed by Thomas Christiansen, are already eliminated after 1-0 defeats to Ghana and Croatia, but they have been awkward opponents and improved since losing 6-1 to England at the 2018 World Cup. Tuchel expects a difficult evening against a back five that can become a back six or seven. “There was no overload against Ghana,” Tuchel said. “There will very likely be no overload against Panama.”
Potential changes and tactical tweaks
Tuchel may turn to Bukayo Saka on the right and Marcus Rashford on the left, with Anthony Gordon ineffective. Eberechi Eze or Morgan Rogers could drift inside to link play. Kobbie Mainoo's ability in tight areas might see him replace Rice. Tuchel feels the left-side connection has faded since Gordon linked well with O'Reilly in a friendly win over Costa Rica. “The left side in general needs to provide more threat,” he said. Tuchel encourages his players to relish one-on-one duels but warns that Panama will resist overloads. “It needs this one moment of quality and a bit more precision with the crossing.”
Maintaining perspective
Tuchel remains calm, noting that even top Champions League sides struggle against organised defences like Ghana's. “They celebrated a 0-0 like they won,” he said. England, however, have higher expectations and must restore momentum heading into the knockout phase. Tuchel needs to find a way to lift the handbrake and deliver a performance that excites.
