England manager Thomas Tuchel has delivered a significant team selection update, confirming he will not field star attacking trio Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden together in the same starting line-up. The revelation comes as the Three Lions prepare for next summer's World Cup in the USA, with the German coach prioritising team structure over individual talent.
The Tactical Dilemma
Speaking to talkSPORT, Tuchel explained his reasoning, pointing to the specific system and balance he has developed. "At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play," Tuchel stated. "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."
He clarified that England currently operates with a setup involving a six, an eight, a 10, and a nine. This structure creates intense competition for the number 10 role, a position where both Foden and Bellingham could feature. Tuchel highlighted the wealth of options, naming Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Gibbs-White as other contenders for advanced midfield positions.
Struggles for Form and Fitness
The decision places a spotlight on several key players. Phil Foden has struggled desperately for form when wearing an England shirt, while Jude Bellingham's specific role has been a topic of debate under Tuchel's management.
Captain Harry Kane remains England's undisputed leading striker, but the composition of the attacking unit behind him is now a major talking point. The situation is further complicated by an injury to Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who is still struggling with a groin problem.
Other players like Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon are also firmly in the frame, ensuring that Tuchel faces a difficult task in finalising his squad and starting eleven.
Tough Decisions Ahead for World Cup
Tuchel was unequivocal about the challenging choices that lie ahead before he names his final squad for the tournament. He warned that some high-profile names will inevitably be left out, not due to a lack of quality, but for the greater good of the team.
"This is not because we don't like it, not because they don't individually deserve it, but because we will always do what's best for the team," he asserted. "We will always do what's best for winning. We will always do what's best for balance and we will try to keep the clarity, even if means that we have to take tough decisions."
Tuchel confirmed that this philosophy of making tough selection calls, which has been present in every camp, will continue right through to the World Cup. With qualification for the 2025 World Cup in the USA already secured, England's final games against Serbia and Albania served as a testing ground for these tactical ideas.
