Thomas Tuchel Explains Why England’s Best Players ‘Cannot Play’ Together

Thomas Tuchel faces some tough decisions ahead of next year’s World Cup, with the England boss revealing some players will be omitted as they won’t all fit into his playing system.The Three Lions head coach has warned a big-name trio they can’t start a game together as he puts the final touches to his plans ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.England selection headachesMany managers would love to enjoy the attacking options at Tuchel’s disposal. German coach Thomas Tuchel has a lot of talent at his disposal, but he faces the challenge to harmonise them. Tuchel will have to decide how best he can integrate the other stars. Harry Kane is still at the centre of attention, but Tuchel has to make a decision on how he wants them integrated. Phil Foden provides versatility while Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are all rising stars who have been injured in recent weeks. They will be fighting for creative midfield slots. The final World Cup attacking line-up is still far from decided due to the competition for positions. Tuchel’s relationship with midfielder Jude Bellingham was a major issue. Tuchel’s decision to leave Bellingham out of the squad in October was controversial. Tuchel claimed that rhythm and team unity were important. Bellingham’s aggressive demeanor on the field has been criticized by Tuchel, who said it could be “repulsive”. He suggested that this behaviour should be channeled constructively. Bellingham’s recall for November games was not without controversy, and the story highlights how Bellingham must adapt to Tuchel’s structured style. This could spell disaster for some stars. According to the German tactician, Kane Bellingham and Foden, “cannot” play together.Tuchel, speaking to talkSPORT, said that he would always do the best thing for the team’s success. The structure is not suitable for them, nor the balance we created. The structure also has wingers, who are experts in their position. Currently, we are using a No. We are currently playing with a No. A No. The No. 10 9.”There’s a lot to like, especially at No. You can think about Phil playing there, Jude, Morgan Rogers and how great he was for us. Morgan Gibbs White, Cole Palmer and a host of other players are available. It is possible that we won’t take all. We will never do something because we dislike them or because they are not deserving. Instead, we always choose what is best for the whole team. We will do whatever is best for the team, for winning and for balance. We will also try to maintain clarity even when we are forced to make tough decisions. In any camp we make tough decisions, and that will not change at a tournament.”Foden in the spotlightWhen asked if this decision puts Foden’s place under the most jeopardy, Tuchel replied: “Yes and no. If you’re a unique player, you can play both positions. He can compete at both positions. For Man CityHe plays like a No.8/10. So maybe in the coming months we will consider him a No.8. Again, I think it’s a very small chance that we will take five No.10s to a tournament. I can’t see any benefit from this.Three Lions cruise through qualifying England has already qualified for 2026 World Cup with a first place finish in Group K and two matches left to play. Three Lions are unbeaten so far in their qualification campaign, winning all six games. They have two more qualifiers against Serbia on Thursday at Wembley and Albania on Sunday in Tirana.
2025-11-13 00:04:08