Hold on to your hats, England fans! The race for the coveted No. 10 spot is turning into a full-blown drama, and Thomas Tuchel has some serious decisions to make. Can he find the right formula to unlock England's attacking potential? Let's dive into five crucial talking points that could shape England's World Cup hopes.
1. The No. 10 Conundrum: Rogers vs. the World
Imagine the uproar if Tuchel had benched Morgan Rogers for Jude Bellingham. It would have been a complete betrayal of the team's spirit and the progress made in recent training camps. Tuchel's focus has been on building a cohesive unit, fostering a positive atmosphere, and generating momentum leading up to next summer's World Cup. Such a move would have risked undermining everything he's worked for.
That's why Rogers had to start against Serbia. His energetic runs, relentless counter-pressing, and intelligent link-up play are exactly the qualities Tuchel wants in a No. 10. We saw glimpses of that dominance early on, with Rogers clearly determined to cement his place. While the killer pass eluded him, his intent was undeniable.
But here's where it gets controversial... The competition for that No. 10 shirt is absolutely brutal. Tuchel himself admitted there's only a "low percentage" chance of taking five players in that position to the World Cup. Morgan Gibbs-White has already been dropped, while Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Eberechi Eze started the game on the bench. And what about Cole Palmer, currently sidelined with an injury? Will someone have to make way for him? Palmer, after all, has a knack for making the difference in crucial moments.
Speaking of game-changers, Bellingham's arrival as a substitute for Rogers certainly energized Wembley. Rogers, after a promising start, had begun to fade. Bellingham, in contrast, was assertive and played a key role in England's second goal, linking up beautifully with Foden. Right now, the smart money is on Bellingham starting next summer. But is he the only option? What about the other players on the bench?
2. O’Reilly’s Opportunity Knocks
Luke Shaw's absence has created a glaring vacancy at left-back. A host of contenders are vying to fill the void. Remember Myles Lewis-Skelly, the initial favorite at the start of Tuchel's tenure? He's currently on the sidelines at Arsenal. Tino Livramento, a versatile player, has impressed but is unfortunately injured again. Djed Spence, known for his pace, faces questions about his effectiveness in possession.
Step forward Nico O'Reilly! The Manchester City youngster has burst onto the scene and looked remarkably composed on his international debut. The 19-year-old is comfortable on his left foot and provided England with much-needed natural width. His overlapping runs caused problems for Serbia, and it was his deflected shot that looped up perfectly for Bukayo Saka to score the opening goal.
And this is the part most people miss... O'Reilly is actually a converted midfielder. While his speed and strength are undeniable, Serbia didn't really test his defensive capabilities. Tougher challenges lie ahead. Can he handle the pressure against more formidable opponents?
3. Rashford: Sparkles, But Not Consistently
Having pace around Harry Kane is absolutely essential. Gareth Southgate's attempt to cram too many No. 10s into the team at Euro 2024 was a fundamental error. Kane thrives as a playmaker, which means he needs runners around him to exploit the space he creates.
Tuchel understands this perfectly. His structure is clear: a No. 6, a No. 8, a No. 10, and two specialist wingers flanking Kane. Saka is the obvious choice on the right, but what about the left? The dream scenario is Marcus Rashford evolving into England's version of Son Heung-min. Remember how Kane loved dropping deep and releasing Son during their time together at Tottenham?
Rashford, starting in place of the injured Anthony Gordon, could be just as effective. Tuchel believes he has the potential to be world-class. The challenge is improving his consistency and end product.
However, this was another night where Rashford left you wanting more. We saw flashes of brilliance – a dazzling nutmeg, a weaving run near the left byline, a moment of exquisite control – but the final ball was often lacking. His failure to release Declan Rice during the first half was particularly frustrating. The left-wing position is up for grabs. Rashford didn't do enough before being replaced by Eze, whose inventive dribbling and unpredictable movement injected a different dynamic into England's attack.
4. Foden: A False 9 with Real Potential
Tuchel believes that Kane, Bellingham, and Foden cannot all start together in England's current system. When England made changes, there was only room for two of them. Bellingham came on as the No. 10, Kane dropped deeper, and Foden slotted in as a false 9.
It's crucial that England find a way to perform effectively without Kane, who has sometimes struggled at major tournaments. Tuchel's decision not to include another out-and-out No. 9 in this squad is intriguing. The underlying logic seems to be that Foden is simply a more talented footballer than someone like Ollie Watkins, meaning there's greater potential upside in getting him on the pitch.
The experiment took some time to ignite. It finally sparked into life when Bellingham found Foden in space. Foden drove at the Serbian defense and teed up Eze for a stunning shot that nestled in the top corner.
5. Konsa: Keeping it Clean at the Back
England secured another clean sheet, although there were a few nervy moments. Dusan Vlahovic should have equalized, and there were times when the defense looked shaky. Marc Guéhi might fancy his chances of replacing Ezri Konsa and partnering John Stones in the center of defense. However, Konsa ultimately made a crucial late block to deny Serbia.
So, there you have it – five key takeaways from England's recent performance. But here's the big question: Is Tuchel on the right track? Can he find the perfect blend of talent and tactics to lead England to World Cup glory? And most importantly, who should start at No. 10? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with Tuchel's assessment of Rashford? Is Foden the answer as a false 9? We want to hear your opinions!
