The Player Analyst

Let’s get straight into the crux of what makes this World Cup squad so… interesting.

Luckily for Tuchel, the goalkeepers pick themselves. Nick Pope and Jason Steele can’t be too disappointed to miss out, I hope.

In defence, I think it’s clear to see that Thomas has opted for diversity over anything. The inclusion of both Tino Livramento and Djed Spence allow for options on both flanks, given any injury issues. The clear starters are Reece James and Nico O’Reilly, however many will be distraught by the backup options selected. No Trent, for those dangerous deliveries, no Shaw, who has been a consistent England performer, and where on earth is Lewis Hall?

Starting centre backs once again pick themselves, with Guehi and Konsa sure to lock down their places. Issues arise once again with their chosen men on standby: John Stones, Jarrel Quansah and Dan Burn. It’s been widely documented that Dan Burn is a Tuchel favourite, however many will question his ability as the ‘Big Centre-Half’ compared with Manchester United’s Harry Maguire. Stones has made 8 appearances in the league this year, only starting 4. Can he really be a reliable backup?

Midfield places where arguably where Tuchel would have to be the most brutal. Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice are no-brainers to start in central midfield, with the German coach selecting Kobbie Mainoo and England constant Jordan Henderson to wait in the wings. Season starlets such as James Garner and Alex Scott miss out, whilst Palace fans will be disappointed not to see Adam Wharton on the squad list.

Attacking midfield options Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are more than acceptable, whereas Tuchel’s choice of just Eberichi Eze to back them up is gathering a lot of heat. Phil Foden’s exclusion couldn’t have been a huge surprise to most, given his poor form and non-existent reputation for England, but Cole Palmer’s absence is what fans believe will be felt the most. Similarly out-of-form, but a game-winning maverick with that killer instinct that may prove vital in tournament football. Unfortunately, Morgan Gibbs-White also misses out after his stellar end to the Premier League campaign.

In forward areas, we can check off the obvious. Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon and now with his late-season charge, Ollie Watkins could all be seen as guarantees for the squad. By this point it is clear that Tuchel has favoured an extra forward over an extra 10, but which one will he take? Our right-wing substitute has been chosen as Arsenal’s Noni Madueke over the likes of Jarred Bowen, whilst the contentious 3rd choice striker spot goes to Saudi Arabia-residing Ivan Toney.

Is Thomas Tuchel’s positional-focused selection the right move to set up solid and bring the trophy back to England, or is his lack of game-winners ultimately what will cost us this tournament?