Thomas Tuchel finished the World Cup qualifying phase with a perfect record: eight wins from eight, 22 goals scored and none conceded. That run closes the first chapter of the brief the FA gave him when he replaced Sir Gareth Southgate — the simple, stark objective of winning the World Cup. His job now shifts to finer selection and tactical choices as he prepares a squad to compete in searing heat next summer.
Bellingham or Rogers?
One of the most compelling selection dilemmas is the tussle for the No.10 role between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers. Tuchel has deliberately encouraged competition to create edge in the group. Alongside Declan Rice, Rogers is one of only two players to appear in all 10 games since Tuchel took charge. He seized his chance when Bellingham was sidelined after shoulder surgery, starting six times and accumulating 531 minutes under Tuchel so far. Bellingham has started four times and played 374 minutes, including a 25-minute cameo against Serbia before starting in Tirana.
Bellingham delivered a full set of attributes in Albania — range of passing, driving runs and a near goal — but also showed moments of petulance, picking up a yellow for a foul after losing possession and appearing unhappy at being substituted, an incident Tuchel said he will review. After his performance, Albania’s Kristjan Asllani even asked Bellingham to swap shirts at half-time, an anecdote that underlines his standing.
Tuchel talks in terms of “starters” and “finishers” in a tournament expected to be physically brutal, and both Bellingham and Rogers can fill either role. Phil Foden remains in the mix — Tuchel has said he sees Foden more as a hybrid between a nine and a 10 rather than a pure winger — and Cole Palmer could force his way in if he overcomes a groin problem. In reality, the choice looks likely to come down to Rogers’ consistency versus Bellingham’s proven ability to change big games, with the latter’s experience of major tournaments likely to give him a slight edge.
Kane indispensable — but who else?
Harry Kane extended his remarkable England record with a double in Tirana. At 32 he still looks at the top of his game: a complete striker who can drop deep, link play and arrive with perfect timing in the box. Kane is England’s record scorer, with 78 goals in 112 caps, and his presence is widely regarded as irreplaceable. As Conor Coady put it on BBC Radio 5 Live, an England without Kane is difficult to imagine.
That reality leaves Tuchel anxious about a possible injury to his captain. Alternatives exist but none approach Kane’s consistency and class. Suggestions have included Danny Welbeck, the experienced 34-year-old who last played for England seven years ago; Tuchel said Welbeck was “very close” to a call-up and asked rhetorically whether he really needed to see him again in November. Ollie Watkins has been used, Ivan Toney’s situation remains complicated after limited recent involvement, and Marcus Rashford or Anthony Gordon can play centrally but are not natural like Kane. Foden could be pushed into a striker role as a tactical tweak, but the squad still lacks a clear Kane-equivalent.
Defensive decisions
John Stones showcased his value in Tirana by operating in a hybrid role, nominally a centre-back but stepping into midfield during possession to help conduct play. That versatility gives Tuchel an extra tactical option. For the World Cup Tuchel is likely to favour a more orthodox back four, leaving him to pick two from Stones, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi at centre-back. Stones’ experience may give him the edge; Konsa and Guehi — both injured and absent in Albania — have developed as internationals and push the competition.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah earned his first senior cap against Albania and impressed, starting centrally before moving wide. Tuchel must decide how much to reward emerging players versus sticking with seasoned options: managing fitness and form will be crucial.
Left-back is another area up for grabs. Young players Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Djed Spence (Tottenham) and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly have all been introduced by Tuchel, with O’Reilly starting and catching the eye in the final two qualifiers. Tino Livramento of Newcastle, currently injured, remains a strong candidate if he returns to fitness. Lewis-Skelly was omitted from the latest camp due to lack of game time; the left-back spot is still unsettled.
Who plays on the left wing?
With Bukayo Saka secure on the right, the left flank is another selection puzzle. Marcus Rashford made a persuasive case in Tirana with a superb cross for Kane’s second goal, while Anthony Gordon has shown promise and Noni Madueke remains a Tuchel favourite when fit. Jack Grealish, despite respectable form on loan, has not featured for England since October 2024 and faces fierce competition. Eberechi Eze started in Albania and offers flexibility — left or No.10 — but he is not yet central to the Bellingham/Rogers discussion.
The choices ahead
Tuchel has shown he will not be swayed by celebrity alone; he prefers merit-based decisions that build competition and tactical clarity. The major selection questions before he names his World Cup squad are: who starts in the No.10 role, how to protect and supplement Harry Kane, which centre-back pairing best balances control and resilience, who wins the left-back berth, and who will take the left wing opposite Saka.
Those answers will shape England’s strategy for the tournament. Tuchel’s immediate task is done; the finer, harder work of deciding players, roles and combinations that can deliver England’s first major men’s trophy in 60 years is well underway.