England manager Thomas Tuchel has once again kept fans guessing with another intriguing squad announcement for the upcoming international friendlies against Serbia and Albania. While his choices continue to surprise, they also offer a clearer glimpse into his tactical direction ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Here are the biggest talking points from Tuchel’s latest call-ups 👇
Bellingham and Foden Return — But Are They Rivals for the Same Role?
After being surprisingly left out of the previous England squad, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have both earned recalls following stellar performances for Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively.
However, Tuchel’s comments suggest that the two might now be competing for the same position in his setup.
“Jude comes back in the No. 10 position — that’s his best role. We’ll try to use him there so he can arrive in the No. 9 spaces and score goals,” Tuchel explained.
He added that Foden also thrives in central positions:
“Phil’s best role is somewhere between a No. 9 and a No. 10. He’s most effective through the middle — I don’t see him as a winger.”
This marks a significant shift from Foden’s role under Gareth Southgate, where he often featured on the left wing during Euro 2024. The tactical overlap between Bellingham and Foden raises the question — who will Tuchel trust to lead his creative core?
Jack Grealish’s Role Still Unclear
While Jack Grealish remains in the squad, his influence continues to waver. Injuries and inconsistent club form have seen him fall behind England’s newer attacking options like Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka. Tuchel’s system, focused on pressing intensity and central creativity, might not fully suit Grealish’s natural, possession-based rhythm.
Trent Alexander-Arnold — Midfield Experiment to Continue?
Tuchel’s preference for tactical flexibility means Trent Alexander-Arnold could once again feature in a hybrid midfield role. The Liverpool star’s vision and passing range make him a potential deep-lying playmaker, especially in games where England expects to dominate possession.
Tuchel’s England: Creativity Meets Control
The latest selection suggests Tuchel is building an England side driven by technical precision and positional flexibility, a noticeable departure from Southgate’s more structured, defensive style. The battle for England’s No. 10 role — between Bellingham, Foden, and Palmer — could define how England lines up for the 2026 World Cup.
Source: AlmightySports
