Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that he is looking to 'test a concept' in England's upcoming clash with Costa Rica on Wednesday night, by fielding four players who have not started together under his management. The match serves as the final warm-up fixture before the Three Lions begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia next Wednesday.
Strong Line-Up Named for Orlando Friendly
The game in Orlando provides an opportunity for players to make a final impression on Tuchel ahead of the crucial encounter with Croatia, as well as subsequent group matches against Ghana and Panama. The manager has selected a formidable side against Costa Rica, with Jordan Pickford starting in goal behind a back four consisting of Reece James, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, and Nico O'Reilly. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson form the midfield partnership, supporting Jude Bellingham, with a front three of Noni Madueke, Harry Kane, and Anthony Gordon.
There has been considerable debate regarding whether Bellingham or Morgan Rogers will occupy the number 10 position against Croatia. The Real Madrid star has been given the opportunity to shine from the start on Wednesday. When asked if this indicates that Bellingham is leading the race to start next week, Tuchel highlighted that the former Borussia Dortmund player has not previously started alongside key figures Rice, Anderson, and Kane. The German coach described this as a 'concept' he wishes to evaluate, hinting that it could be the lineup when the tournament commences.
Tuchel's Comments on the Team Selection
'I think it's the first time he plays with Harry, Declan, and Elliot together, so it's a good test of concept, we want to see that,' Tuchel told ITV regarding Bellingham. 'And we've said it many times, he's in excellent shape, everyone else is in excellent shape. We have a strong line-up and a strong bench.'
Tuchel stopped short of suggesting that this would be the starting XI against Croatia but emphasized that the team is capable of competing in any match. 'Yeah, we can start any match, it's a very strong line-up and we have very strong players from the bench,' he said. 'And we need it, we want to take the next step and push the boundaries a bit after the ten days and end the prep camp in a good way.'
Objectives for the Costa Rica Match
Regarding the aims of the game against Costa Rica, Tuchel stated: 'It's about stepping up intensity, off the ball and with the ball, and see what we are able to produce. We can see that we have progress, we make progress in training, we make progress when we check the blood and the sweat of the players, so acclimatisation is there, we're getting fitter and fitter, and now it's on the team to show and to have a good performance.'
