Thomas Tuchel will have to react to England’s draw with Ghana. We suggest five changes he could make and chief football writer John Cross assesses them.
England ended in a draw with Ghana (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Everyone just breathes. The words “shocker” and “reality check” have been used to sum up England’s performance in Tuesday night’s 0-0 draw with Ghana.
Such comments are an insult to Ghana and undermine how well the Black Stars played against Thomas Tuchel’s side. Let’s be honest, scoring from a team led by coach Carlos Quieros, who loves to park the bus, is something the likes of Argentina, Spain and Portugal have struggled with in past World Cups.
Still, England had 19 shots on target and 4 shots on target, and unfortunately missed a crucial chance due to the death of Harry Kane, who was denied a shot. Was it a perfect display? Absolutely not. There was a lack of effort in the center of the pitch, and the defense felt unsafe at points.
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There are issues for Tuchel to resolve, but make no mistake, this was a far cry from the monotonous display seen in big moments under Gareth Southgate. While this English side pressed like a Premier League side and had a clear plan both in and out of possession, the same could not be said for Qatar’s Three Lions.
However, although the game was not at all what England supporters had hoped for, they still lead their group and are in a great position for Saturday night’s final Group L game against Panama, in which they will battle for all three points.
Mirror Football chief writer John Cross gave his verdict on the Make Football Great Again podcast from Boston Stadium immediately after the game, as the Three Lions’ dominant performance saw the ‘second game syndrome’ strike again.
Let’s take a look at how England should line up for this match.
John Stones joins, Mark Gehi absent?
John Stones is England’s best centre-back (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
The decision to leave John Stones out of action against Ghana was almost certainly an effort to manage his fitness. The veteran centre-back has been limited to just nine Premier League appearances for Manchester City this season after suffering thigh and calf problems.
Saturday’s game against Panama is the perfect time for him to return to the starting XI to build rhythm and fitness for the knockout stages, and England will no doubt need to rely on his experience.
Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi’s somewhat erratic performances on Tuesday were canceled out again and again by long balls, with Stones proving to be the key to England’s defence.
John Cross Verdict: “Ezri Konsa was very lucky not to give away a penalty in the second half. He got away with it there.”
“I thought there was a good partnership between Guehi and Konsa.”
Will Nico O’Reilly play, Reece James absent?
Nico O’Reilly hits the bar against Ghana
It is a miracle that England have Reece James who can play in major tournaments. They should aim to maintain this by resting the Chelsea captain against Panama and ensuring he is available for the more important games of this World Cup.
Jed Spence didn’t make much of an impression at left-back compared to his cameo appearance at right-back in the opening game against Croatia. Tottenham’s defender will therefore need to move to the right flank to allow Nico O’Reilly to return to the starting lineup. City’s left-back offers a great threat in the air, as well as certainty in possession, as evidenced by his swinging over the bar late in the game.
John Cross Verdict: “James was solid enough. He did well against Semenyo.
“Tuchel’s team is built around wingers on the opposite flank, but I don’t like full-backs being on the opposite flank. I don’t think it works.”
Morgan Rogers in, Declan Rice out?
Declan Rice was seen limping after England vs Ghana (Image: Shutterstock)
Rice had already suffered a back injury before the tournament and was forced to miss England’s opening match. There was even greater concern in Boston when the Arsenal keeper headed into the mixed zone after the game with a serious left calf injury.
Even if he is available, Tuchel will need to rest him against Panama and try to protect his star midfielder. Who will replace him? Morgan Rogers.
Aston Villa’s ace may not be able to replace Rice, but Panama is not Ghana. England are expected to dominate play even more, and Rodgers’ momentum through the midfield and ability to find the back of the net could provide exactly what Tuesday’s team lacked.
John Cross Verdict: “He certainly looked fine in the beginning, but the fact that he took a big hit towards the end was a bit worrying.
“Rogers came out and worked hard. He didn’t get a lot of time to make an impact, but he did a good job.”
Bukayo Saka in – Noni Maduke out?
Bukayo Saka ready (Image: Getty Images)
Bukayo Saka was fit to start against Ghana, but was substituted with 30 minutes remaining. Noni Madueke wasn’t necessarily bad on the right, but when Saka came on, the difference was clear.
The Arsenal sensation had been battling an Achilles injury for several months, but Tuchel insisted before the match: “He’s getting better and better, he doesn’t feel any pain and he’s ready to go.”
Playing the full 90 minutes may be physically too much, but England will need to get Saka used to returning to the starting lineup against Panama, as is expected in the final round of the tournament, before he could be substituted at half-time.
John Cross verdict: “Madueke tried hard but squandered Cross’s chance.”
Marcus Rashford in, Anthony Gordon absent?
Anthony Gordon’s performance against Ghana was very disappointing. The Barcelona man failed to make an impact and was sent off in the 64th minute.
Catalan substitute Marcus Rashford should be given his first start in this competition to show what he can bring. Rashford’s speed and directness with Rodgers behind him alongside Kane could be a winning formula for Tuchel.
John Cross Verdict: “Anthony Gordon was really bad. I thought Gordon was very ineffective. It’s very rare for him to have a game like that. It’s just frustrating.”
“Why didn’t he use Rashford sooner? I think there’s a bit of dissatisfaction with Rashford. Apparently not, but it made me think about what’s going on there. I thought it was really strange.”
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