Thomas Tuchel can now officially plan for a summer in the United States, with England securing their place at the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions have enjoyed a flawless qualifying campaign under the German, winning all seven matches without conceding a single goal.
This dominant run has clarified much of Tuchel's thinking, with seven players now appearing certain to start his preferred XI when the tournament begins. Fitness permitting, Jordan Pickford, Reece James, John Stones, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane look locked in.
However, as Sunday's final qualifier against Albania approaches, four crucial positions in the starting lineup remain fiercely contested. Some of these decisions may even be influenced by players who are not in Tirana for this match.
The Left-Back Conundrum
This position has seen significant fluctuation. Initially, Myles Lewis-Skelly seemed to be Tuchel's first choice, starting five of his first eight games and even scoring the opening goal of his tenure. However, the Arsenal teenager's club fortunes have nosedived; he has not started a Premier League game this season, being overtaken by Riccardo Calafiori, and was omitted from this England squad.
His decline has opened the door for others. Nico O'Reilly, the 20-year-old Manchester City talisman, made an encouraging debut against Serbia and is now a serious contender. Other options include the versatile, right-footed pair of Djed Spence and the injured Tino Livramento, who offer cover for both flanks.
The picture is further complicated by Dan Burn, a Tuchel favourite, the recently-fit Lewis Hall, and the continually overlooked Luke Shaw, who has been playing as a centre-back for his club.
The Centre-Back Partnership
While John Stones is a guaranteed starter, the identity of his central defensive partner is less clear. Tuchel initially preferred a left-foot/right-foot combination, benefiting Levi Colwill and Dan Burn. With the former injured and the latter now looking like a backup, the manager may opt for two right-footers.
Marc Guehi, who was excellent at Euro 2024 and seemed established under Gareth Southgate, has been benched by Tuchel and is currently injured. This has allowed Ezri Konsa to move ahead in the pecking order, with his speed likely a key factor in Tuchel's thinking.
The Number Ten Battle
This is arguably the most contentious and high-profile decision. The presumption is that Jude Bellingham will ultimately claim the role, but his place is not automatic. On Thursday, Morgan Rogers started ahead of the Real Madrid superstar, his pressing and work rate embodying Tuchel's ethos.
Tuchel has stated it is 'very unlikely' he can take all five of his number tens to the World Cup, creating a fierce selection headache. Phil Foden impressed in a false nine cameo against Serbia, while Eberechi Eze scored when deployed on the left. The returning Cole Palmer and the omitted Morgan Gibbs-White add further depth to this crowded area.
Choosing the Left Winger
The evidence suggests Anthony Gordon is the current frontrunner, with Tuchel and his predecessor Lee Carsley seemingly learning from the mistake of playing Phil Foden out of position at Euro 2024. Gordon offers the direct pace and willingness to run in behind that England previously lacked.
Marcus Rashford, who started Tuchel's first game in charge, is the other primary contender. However, Eberechi Eze's excellent performance against Serbia has inserted intrigue into the equation, though his profile as more of an inside-left may not perfectly fit the traditional winger role Tuchel desires.
Sunday's match in Tirana may provide the final clues as Tuchel moves from qualification to constructing a team capable of winning the World Cup.
