England are back in action at the World Cup on Tuesday night against Ghana, and Thomas Tuchel has some decisions to make. The Three Lions' stunning second-half comeback to beat Croatia 4-2 last week was an exhilarating start to the tournament, but it also left Tuchel with selection headaches of the good kind.
Tuchel has hailed the impact of his "finishers" after Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Djed Spence, and Morgan Rogers all made a difference off the substitutes' bench. However, the question remains: did they do enough in Dallas to force themselves into the starting line-up in Boston?
Saka and Rice Return to Fitness
Saka gave England a timely boost by training on Monday, while Declan Rice is fully fit after being forced off against Croatia. Tuchel therefore has a full contingent to pick from and some tough calls to make. Key dilemmas include whether to start Rashford or Anthony Gordon, Saka or Noni Madueke, and whether Marc Guehi should come into the side after a shaky defensive display in the first half on Thursday.
Mirror Football Writers' Opinions
Andy Dunn's View
Andy Dunn notes that Marcus Rashford has won 73 caps for England, but has only completed a full match 11 times. Forty-one of his appearances came as a substitute, and he has been substituted in 21 of his 32 starts. Dunn argues that Rashford looks like a "coiled spring" ready to release frustration after a Barcelona snub, and should start ahead of Gordon. He also suggests Marc Guehi should replace John Stones for better defensive cover, and that Saka should be used from the bench initially to manage fitness. His XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
Ryan Taylor's Analysis
Ryan Taylor believes Tuchel might stick with the same starting XI, trusting the finishers to come on again. However, he thinks Rashford should start over Gordon, as Gordon "blows hot and cold." In defence, Guehi should come in for Ezri Konsa, allowing John Stones to shuffle across. Taylor advises against risking Saka too early, and suggests Panama as a game for wholesale changes. His XI: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Madueke, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.
John Cross's Perspective
John Cross expects Tuchel to stick with a winning formula, given England's impressive second half against Croatia. While he would like to see Saka, Rashford, and Guehi start, he acknowledges that Madueke performed well and Gordon is better defensively. Cross believes the "finishers" plan was effective and that Rashford and Saka from the bench could be more impactful than Madueke and Gordon. He suggests Saka will start later in the tournament. His XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Stones, O'Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Conclusion
Tuchel faces a pleasant selection dilemma ahead of the Ghana match. The decision on whether to start Rashford, Saka, and Guehi will shape England's approach, but the depth of the squad provides flexibility. As the tournament progresses, these choices will be crucial for England's hopes of World Cup glory.
