Tuchel Discusses England's Tactical Challenges Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
Thomas Tuchel, the head coach of the England national team, has stated that Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane cannot all start together in the current tactical system.
Both Bellingham, who plays for Real Madrid, and Manchester City's Foden have been recalled to the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Tuchel explained that Bellingham and Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers are competing for the number 10 position. He also noted that he no longer views Foden as a winger, but rather as a player who combines the roles of a number nine and a number 10.
When asked whether it would be possible for Bellingham, Foden, and captain Kane to play together, Tuchel responded in an interview with TalkSport: "At the moment, if we maintain our current structure, they cannot play together. They can, but not within the framework we have developed, which requires balance and positions that are specialized, like wingers."
Under Tuchel's leadership, England has adopted a 4-3-3 formation with wingers flanking striker Kane. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is the preferred option on the right, while either Newcastle's Anthony Gordon or Barcelona's Marcus Rashford is likely to play on the left.
This setup means fierce competition for the number 10 role behind Kane, with a notable player potentially missing out on the World Cup squad. Tuchel highlighted Bellingham, Rogers, and Foden as candidates for the position, alongside Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who is currently sidelined with a groin injury, and Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White, who was omitted from the latest squad. Arsenal's Eberechi Eze is also in contention.
Tuchel emphasized that it is highly unlikely he will select five players for the number 10 role in his World Cup squad, stating, "I don’t see how this would benefit us." He added that any omissions from the squad will not be a reflection of individual merit but rather a strategic decision aimed at maximizing the team's chances of winning.
"We will always prioritize balance and clarity, even if it means making difficult choices," he remarked. "Tough decisions are part of any team camp, and that will not change when we approach a tournament."
Tuchel also noted that he envisions Foden playing a hybrid role between an eight and a number 10 for Manchester City, suggesting that he could be considered for a midfield position in the future.
England has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, with two matches to spare. The team is set to face Serbia at Wembley on Thursday, followed by a match against Albania on Sunday.
Rogers has made a strong impression under Tuchel, starting five matches and participating in all eight games managed by the German, although a minor hamstring issue may allow Bellingham the opportunity to start against Serbia.