Thomas Tuchel’s next team selection is about so much more than simply picking players for one match against an international backwater.
Had England carried their momentum forward from their rip-roaring opening victory Croatia and similarly put Ghana to the sword, the need for experimentation would be stymied.
Limping to a goalless draw, as England again suffered from a severe bout of second-game syndrome at a major tournament, Tuchel now has to find answers quickly to the plethora of questions posed in Boston, before the knockout stages are upon us.
Given the calibre of his understudy, Jordan Pickford should be in the running to miss out against Panama on Saturday after a second successive shaky display.
James Trafford is an exceptional goalkeeper, one who, crucially, does not have a propensity to race from his line needlessly and put his team in danger. It would be a bold call, but Tuchel is not afraid to rock the boat. A change in goal could do both keepers the world of good.
Rashford is in contention to start (Photo: AP)Djed Spence as a left-wing combination with Anthony Gordon should never see the light of day again. Nico O’Reilly’s emergence has perhaps been taken for granted, to have such a gifted attacking player who is so adept as a full-back at England’s disposal. When he came off the bench, the difference between Spence and the City starlet was night and day.
John Stones could come back in for Marc Guehi, if Tuchel wants the veteran to be the defensive figurehead he planned pre-tournament.
Ahead of Stones, Declan Rice needs taking out of the firing line. There are clearly injury concerns, but most worrying is his profligacy on the ball, and a newfound tendency to delay for too long and be dispossessed. Kobbie Mainoo’s composure is the perfect panacea.
Another player who may benefit from a break is Jude Bellingham. After his all-action display against Croatia, Bellingham wore his frustrations on his sleeve in Boston.
Bellingham is capable of being got at, emotionally. With a perfectly able deputy to come in, Morgan Rogers is primed, the Real Madrid midfielder should be given a week to cool off, for long-term gain.
Read more
Daniel Storey: The World Cup’s pointless rule change has ruined the next week of football England: Don’t believe the rumours about England fans at this World CupIn 20 second-half minutes off the bench, Tuchel got his best news of the night against Ghana – Bukayo Saka is back and ready for more.
Gordon has not mustered a meaningful attack in two starts while Saka forced a fine save in Boston within minutes of stepping off the bench.
Barcelona must be looking for the receipt down the back of the sofa. Gordon’s work rate was there for all to see at the home of the New England Patriots, but in an attacking sense, he has never looked more blunt.
Noni Madueke was a surprise starter against Croatia, but with so many alternatives available to Tuchel, the Arsenal winger could not let his levels drop. Ghana did not even have to over-exert to keep him out.
Marcus Rashford and Saka could be Tuchel’s go-to wing pairing for the rest of the tournament, should they excel in the final group encounter. They both deserve the opportunity to showcase a potentially burgeoning attack.
Hence then, the article about my england xi to face panama with no rice bellingham or pickford was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( My England XI to face Panama – with no Rice, Bellingham or Pickford )
Also on site :