First, Thomas Tuchel may bring good news. But a few months later, the head coach of the England national team will be forced to make announcements that will disappoint many players.
By announcing the list of 35 players for the matches against Uruguay and Japan, and adding Harvey Barnes and Ben White to the reserve list, Tuchel is creating a difficult problem. When the World Cup list is only 26 slots left, many names will definitely have to be eliminated.
In a way, the German strategist's task is to identify the last three positions in the squad. If Tuchel chooses two players for each position and adds a third goalkeeper, he still has three slots to consider. The question is how to use them to optimize the squad.
Fifth center-back?
This choice may depend on the condition of John Stones. The Manchester City center-back has played very little recently and has not started in the Premier League since October last year. Choosing Stones in the group of 4 center-backs will be risky, despite the stable performance of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi.
The option of bringing 5 center-backs may open up opportunities for Harry Maguire, who has just been recalled. In addition, Tuchel does not have many full-backs who can play center-back. Only Ben White and Reece James are possible options, so adding a fifth center-back may be a reasonable choice.
5 full-backs?
Reece James is still Tuchel's number one right-back, even though he often has injury problems. Before suffering a recent injury, James played 36 matches this season.
Tino Livramento and Djed Spence can play flexibly on both wings, while Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah have been used in the right-back position. Dan Burn also brought a special option on the left wing thanks to his superior physique.
This may put Trent Alexander-Arnold at a disadvantage, as Tuchel seems to prioritize versatile players rather than pure players.
5 central midfielders?
James Garner brings more tactical options for Tuchel. The Everton midfielder can play flexibly in many positions and once impressed under David Moyes.
In addition, Jude Bellingham can play deep if needed, while Nico O'Reilly used to play in midfield before being used in the left-back position. If Tuchel calls up Kobbie Mainoo or Adam Wharton, England can completely bring 5 central midfielders.
3 number 10 players?
This is a very feasible scenario because England has many talents in this position. Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are all prominent names.
However, bringing 4 number 10 players can cause the squad to be unbalanced. The advantage is that these players can all play flexibly in many positions. Foden can play as a false striker, Palmer plays on the right wing, while Eberechi Eze can also operate on the left flank.
Conversely, Morgan Gibbs-White seems to be gradually losing its advantage in the competition.
Fifth winger?
Eberechi Eze may be an additional option on the wing. Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford are two priority options on the left wing, while Harvey Barnes also creates more competitive pressure.
On the right wing, Tuchel has not yet clearly identified a backup plan for Bukayo Saka, with Noni Madueke and Jarrod Bowen competing directly.
Third striker?
Tuchel currently has three strikers on the list, but it is noteworthy that Ollie Watkins is not among them. If they continue to be eliminated, the reserve position could be a competition between Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
In addition, Tuchel still has other flexible options. Phil Foden used to play well in the role of false striker, Bowen sometimes plays center forward at West Ham, while Rashford and Gordon can both take on this position.
At EURO 2024, Gareth Southgate once brought three center forwards, but Tuchel is likely to only choose two and reserve the remaining slot for more necessary positions.
