England Manager Faces Tactical Headache with Star Trio
England head coach Thomas Tuchel has delivered a stark assessment of his team's composition, openly stating that Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane cannot all start together in the current system. This revelation comes as the Three Lions continue their preparations for upcoming tournaments, having already secured qualification for the World Cup with two games to spare.
The Structural Problem Behind the Selection Crisis
Tuchel has implemented a structured 4-3-3 formation with clearly defined roles, featuring one traditional number 10 behind captain Kane, supported by pacy wingers. The German tactician has been explicit about his vision for team balance, expressing concern about cramming too many attacking players into the lineup at the expense of defensive stability.
Speaking to TalkSport, Tuchel was unequivocal: "At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play. They can but not in the structure, not for the balance that we developed and not for structure that comes also with wingers who are specialists in their positions."
The situation is complicated by Kane's playing style, as the England captain prefers to drop deep and create, a characteristic that Tuchel is reluctant to disrupt. Meanwhile, Foden isn't considered a natural wide player in this system, instead finding himself in direct competition with Bellingham and others for the central attacking role.
Intense Competition for Limited Spaces
The selection headache extends beyond the headline trio, with multiple players vying for the coveted number 10 position. Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze are in contention alongside returning stars Bellingham and Foden for the upcoming qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
Additional pressure comes from Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White, though Palmer is currently sidelined with a groin injury and Gibbs-White wasn't selected for the current squad. This wealth of attacking talent presents Tuchel with what he describes as "tough decisions" that must be made in the interest of team balance.
Tuchel confirmed the likelihood of leaving some talented players behind, stating: "There's a lot of players and there's the chance that we will not take everyone. Not because we don't like it, not because they don't individually deserve it, but we will always do what's best for the team."
The manager emphasized his commitment to maintaining clarity and balance even when it means making difficult choices about squad selection for major tournaments.
Foden's Versatility and the Numbers Game
Tuchel acknowledged Foden's unique qualities, describing him as a "9-and-a-half" and even suggesting the Manchester City attacker could potentially operate as a false nine. This versatility could work in Foden's favour, according to the England boss.
"If you're a unique player, you can play both positions," Tuchel noted. "I think he can play the 9, he can play the 10. It gives him, first of all, an advantage to compete for both positions."
However, the manager poured cold water on the idea of taking multiple players for the same role, revealing: "I see a very, very low percentage that we take five No 10s in the No 10 position into a tournament. I don't see how this will help us."
With the Serbia qualifier approaching, all eyes will be on whether Bellingham starts ahead of Rogers, and if Foden gets his opportunity to stake a claim. What remains clear is that Tuchel's structured approach may leave at least one big-name player disappointed when the final tournament squad is announced.
