Arabic version: توخيل يواجه معضلات اختيار قبل مواجهة كرواتيا
According to BBC News,
England’s final friendly before the World Cup was delayed by violent storms rattling around Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium – but when it finally got under way it was well worth the wait for head coach Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel was unhappy with England’s lack of intensity in their opening friendly against New Zealand in Tampa, the 1-0 win effectively a glorified training session as he fielded two different teams in each half.
The meeting with Costa Rica was a sharp contrast, a fierce physical test with plenty of helpful pointers for Tuchel before England face Croatia in Dallas on 17 June. When asked by BBC Radio 5 Live after the game whether his starting line-up on Wednesday would be the same as for that opening group game, he answered simply: “Maybe.” The German then added: “But we will always keep our cards in our hand. We will not give any decisions away because my thoughts at the moment are not for Croatia, they’re for here today.”
Tuchel has spent recent months deflecting debate about whether Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa should take England’s number 10 role when the stakes are at their highest. Rogers has been the player in possession, Tuchel keeping faith with the 23-year-old as Bellingham endured a mixed season at the Santiago Bernabeu, interrupted by shoulder and hamstring injuries. Tuchel started with Rogers against New Zealand, although nothing could be read into that as Bellingham came on for the second half and took on the captaincy.
There are effectively 14 or 15 “starters” that Tuchel has in mind within England’s squad, and both are in that group. But unless Tuchel decides to play Rogers on the left against Croatia, only one of the duo will be in that particular line-up. It will be arguably the biggest decision of Tuchel’s reign, and there was no doubt Bellingham resembled a man on a mission against Costa Rica. He produced a superb through ball to Noni Madueke in the first half, which the Arsenal forward wasted by hitting the post after going around Costa Rica keeper Patrick Sequeira. Bellingham showed superb sleight of foot in the build-up to England’s second goal. He danced past several Costa Rica defenders in the area before finding Eberechi Eze, whose shot was handled. Anthony Gordon scored the resulting penalty.
The selection of wide players also presents a challenge for Tuchel. If fit, Bukayo Saka is expected to occupy the right side, but he has been managing an Achilles tendon issue. The left side is more uncertain, with competition between Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford. Gordon impressed against Costa Rica, contributing to both a goal and a penalty, while Rashford’s earlier performance against New Zealand was noteworthy.
Additionally, Harry Kane’s role as captain and his evolving playing style under Tuchel adds another layer of complexity. Kane’s ability to link play and create scoring opportunities makes him indispensable to the squad. Meanwhile, John Stones’ fitness will influence defensive selections, particularly after his performance against Costa Rica.
With multiple positions still up for grabs, Tuchel’s decisions could significantly impact England’s World Cup campaign as they prepare to face Croatia.
