England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a stark warning to his star attacking midfielders, including Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, emphasising that their places in next summer's World Cup squad are far from secure.
Intense Competition for Places
Speaking before England's clash with Serbia, Tuchel revealed the difficult decisions he faces due to a plethora of options in the number ten role. Despite being recalled to the squad, Jude Bellingham was left on the substitutes' bench, with Morgan Rogers preferred in the attacking midfield position.
Tuchel told ITV: 'We have some options and maybe we have to take tough decision. First we need to come to the summer. We have matches to play and that's where the focus is.'
Structural Dilemma for Key Players
The situation is equally challenging for Phil Foden, who also found himself among the substitutes. Tuchel explained a fundamental tactical issue, stating 'At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play.'
He elaborated on the balance of the team, highlighting that accommodating players like Bellingham, Foden, and Harry Kane together would compromise the developed structure and specialist winger roles.
Tuchel identified several players competing for the coveted number ten position:
- Phil Foden
- Jude Bellingham
- Morgan Rogers
- Cole Palmer
- Morgan Gibbs-White
He frankly admitted, 'There is a lot of congruence, especially in the No 10 position... there is the chance that we will not take everyone.'
Positional Flexibility and Future Options
Discussing Foden's role specifically, Tuchel acknowledged his versatility while indicating his preferred usage. 'I want him in the middle of the pitch and close to the opponents' box,' he said.
He noted that Foden has been playing a deeper role for Manchester City this season, which he performs excellently, and suggested this might make him an option for a number eight position in the future. However, for now, Tuchel sees him primarily between the nine and ten roles.
The manager's comments serve as a clear message to all his attacking talents that performance in upcoming matches will be crucial for World Cup selection, with no one considered safe from the axe.
