Manager Thomas Tuchel nailed England’s starting XI with just five players, who had issues to deal with at the World Cup.

Tuchel has warned England are running out of time and options and the race for World Cup qualification continues.

Manager Thomas Tuchel is counting down the days until the World Cup.

There are already fewer than 250 players in the tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and begins on Thursday, June 11th. And it appears to be getting even closer as the draw takes place in Washington on Friday, December 5, with England set to reveal their opponents and likely path forward.

The worrying thing for Tuchel is that, according to my calculations, there are only five starters who are guaranteed to be in England’s starting XI. They are Jordan Pickford, Mark Guehi, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane. This eliminates time and games for players to earn their positions, leaving significant vacancies at positions over the next eight months.

England play Wales on Thursday, Latvia next week, Serbia and Alberni next month and two friendlies next March. It will be Tuchel’s only game before he selects the U.S. national team, by which time six players must confirm their positions.

Pickford is far ahead of James Trafford, with Dean Henderson probably the closest challenger. But Everton’s keeper is number one.

Reece James has become the leading right-back in the clubhouse ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was sidelined with injury at Real Madrid. However, James, a huge favorite of Tuchel, has withdrawn from the squad due to injury concerns.

Let me be clear. If John Stones is healthy, he has to play. What a great player. Great influence and defender. But then again, Ezri Konsa is the favorite to win and Stones is not in the shoot-in due to injury. Who is the left back? Tino Libramento is injured. Miles Lewis-Skelly would be the obvious candidate, but he does not play for Arsenal. What about Dan Byrne? He is closer to Tuchel’s favorite than anyone else, but where? He will play in this World Cup. Please make no mistake.

In midfield, Rice is untouchable. However, the feeling is that Tuchel wants Rice to move around freely and wants the number six. Elliot Anderson owns it. Jude Bellingham certainly plays in midfield. He is absolutely necessary. England’s best mile athlete. A talent that transcends generations.

But it would be naive to think he has no worries and is guaranteed a starting spot. I’m sure he’ll participate. Morgan Rodgers is touted as Tuchel’s favorite.

Saka is a really great player. Great for club and country. He was used as a right winger. Even if Noni Madueke had been fit this time, he might not have been able to make the team.

Then Kane steps forward. Well, he’s untouchable and awesome. He’s a really great captain and England player. Without him England will have problems.

Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford will take up the left-wing positions. Cole Palmer is a special player. But it’s hard to argue he’s a sure-fire starter. So is Phil Foden. That should be the case, but I have doubts.

There are many problems to solve…and the clock is already ticking.

My England: Pickford. James, Stones, Guehi, Lewis-Skelly. Anderson, Rice, Bellingham. Saka, Rashford, Kane.

Tuchel XI: Pickford. James, Konsa, Guehi, Byrne. Anderson, Rice, Rogers. Saka, Rashford, Kane.

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