Thomas Tuchel has warned England’s senior stars that no one is guaranteed a spot, insisting he is not afraid to make “brave decisions” after his younger players impressed in back-to-back World Cup qualifying wins.
The Three Lions, runners-up in the last two European Championships, moved closer to qualification with a 2-0 victory over Andorra followed by a dominant 5-0 win against Serbia. Despite fielding an inexperienced side in Belgrade, with only four starters having more than 20 caps, England produced a confident, ruthless display.
Asked if the newcomers had staked their claim, Tuchel was clear
“Yes, for sure. The competition is on. If you’re in camp, be on your best behaviour. If you’re in camp, be on your best shape, be in your best form and you make the best of it. It’s a privilege to be in camp. And then fight for your place,” he told reporters.
The England boss added that even substitutes must raise standards.
“If you come from the bench, be the best version from the bench. If you can help everyone to be better and to grow and this is what we did. They did excellent. Now they go back to their clubs. Next nomination we need to see what’s coming.”
Tuchel deliberately kept the squad small to fuel competition, a move that left some big names out. While Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, John Stones and Adam Wharton were sidelined through injury, Tuchel opted not to call up Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish.
“I am always brave, you know that,” Tuchel said. “But we don’t talk now about hypothetical names that can be maybe left out. Let’s see who’s fit and who is not and who is available. Like I said, I think we took some brave decisions already. We nominated squad of only 21 to keep the competition going and the players know that.”
With young talent seizing their chance, the German tactician has made it clear that England’s stars must fight for their shirts ahead of next summer’s finals.
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