Express Sport selects England’s strongest current eleven (Image: Getty)
There are plenty of talking points from Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad. First of all, they have a whopping 35 players. That’s nine more German players than will be available for this summer’s World Cup. However, the group is still without big names like the sidelined Trent Alexander-Arnold and the injured Reece James. The reason why coach Tuchel chose such an oversized squad is because he plans to divide the squad into two groups for the upcoming two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
And these two games at Wembley will give us a very good idea of who is likely to be selected in Tuchel’s starting XI against Croatia on June 17th, with it still unclear who will head to America. Express Sport selects the best eleven from Tuchel’s current squad…
Goalkeeper: Pickford
There is no doubt as to who will start in goal this summer. Jordan Pickford has 81 caps and has been No. 1 in the last two World Cups. Having just turned 32, this may actually be his last time as first choice between the sticks.
He has played 81 times for England, keeping 43 clean sheets, and has consistently excelled in his homeland. James Trafford will be hoping to push for a place in the starting XI over the next few seasons once he is likely to leave Manchester City this summer, but Pickford is virtually out of contention for now.
Defense: Hall, Guehi, Stones, Libramento
Lewis Hall has to be Tuchel’s first choice left-back this summer. Alternatives are only allowed if Hall is injured. The 21-year-old Newcastle defender is developing into one of the best players in his position in all of Europe and has been prolific at both ends of the pitch. he is excellent
At center, Marc Gehi is almost certain to start in his first World Cup. Ezri Konsa is preferred alongside him, but Guehi’s Manchester City teammate John Stones would be Tuchel’s best centre-half if fully fit. Stones is a top class operator with 87 caps and brings a wealth of tournament experience to a youthful backline.
With Alexander-Arnold not being coveted, Reece James is certain to be conditionally first-choice at right-back for the World Cup. Of course, the condition is his physical strength, which sadly cannot be relied on. Tino Libramento is the next best right-back available from Tuchel’s current squad, although he is inferior to James and Trent in attack. But the 23-year-old is solid, reliable and in some ways not that different from his international predecessor Kyle Walker. No wonder Man City want him!
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are great together. (Image: Getty)
Midfield: Rice, Anderson
Tuchel has coached 10 games as England manager. Declan Rice started nine of those games. Elliott Anderson has started alongside Rice in five of the past six games. Although the Three Lions played against lower-ranked opponents in each game, they did not allow a single goal. It feels like the reliable midfield combination has been decided upon.
Rice and Anderson provide loads on and off the ball, and both can respond to set pieces. Adam Wharton and Koby Mainu will both want to make a case to get past Anderson, but Jordy and Rice complement each other well. Barring injury, it’s hard to imagine anyone else starting in the midfield two this summer.
Attack: Rashford, Bellingham, Saka. Kane
Now comes the difficult part. England have many options in attack and the key is to get the balance right. The 35-man squad includes Morgan Rodgers, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, all of whom can operate as a 10-man squad behind Harry Kane. Captain Kane’s place in the starting lineup couldn’t be safer, especially given his form at Bayern Munich.
However, competition for position is fierce behind him. Bukayo Saka is the best option on the right wing and scored three goals in the last World Cup. No English player has scored more goals. He is also likely to enter this tournament as the new Premier League champion. He gets the nod over Jarrod Bowen and Noni Madueke.
Marcus Rashford was the only player to score as many goals as Saka in Qatar four years ago. He has regained his form at Barcelona and has been in and out of the starting eleven, but he is the best option on the left flank over Rodgers and Anthony Gordon.
For the number 10 role, Jude Bellingham beat out Palmer, Foden and others. Go to the starting point. He’s a match-winner born for the biggest moments. Palmer and Foden have struggled for consistency recently, but Bellingham’s only problem is fitness. That he can also act as a box-to-box midfielder, meaning he can provide good defensive support to Rice and Anderson against top-level opposition, only helps his cause.
