Thomas Tuchel insists he will not reshape England’s tactical setup simply to accommodate high-profile names, saying players must fight to earn their preferred roles.
Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have returned to the squad for the November World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania, but Tuchel stressed that selection will be based on form and fit rather than reputation. Morgan Rogers has impressed in recent internationals while filling the No.10 role, and Tuchel said established performers should not be displaced automatically to make room for returning stars.
Asked whether Rogers and Bellingham could feature together, Tuchel said it was possible but not in the same position. He argued it is better to keep players in their best roles and maintain competition for places rather than simply finding a way to get every big name on the pitch.
“The competition is between the two of them,” Tuchel said, noting they are friends and the rivalry can be healthy. He added that to play both would likely require a different structure, and now is not the moment to change the team’s shape.
Tuchel praised how Bellingham and Foden have slotted back into the group after their absences—Bellingham had not played for England since June and Foden had not been selected since March. The manager pointed out the team has continued to perform strongly without them, winning four straight games by a combined 15-0, and said the returning players now have a responsibility to contribute to that high standard.
“We were driving the levels without them,” he said. “Now they’re back and it is their responsibility to contribute. The group is strong, standards are clear, and newcomers can fit in seamlessly.” He specifically referenced new call-ups such as Alex Scott as examples of players integrating quickly.
On the injury front, Tuchel confirmed centre-back Marc Guehi, who suffered a painful foot injury last week that temporarily left him unable to walk, remains with the squad and has stopped using crutches. There is no structural damage, Tuchel said, but pain is the limiting factor. He indicated there is a realistic chance Guehi could recover quickly enough to be considered for the Albania game, but the plan is to assess him day to day with a view toward the second fixture.
“If he can’t train on Friday and Saturday, we won’t take him to travel; he’ll stay in London for rest and treatment,” Tuchel said, praising Guehi’s leadership and desire to remain close to the team.
Tuchel also updated on Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who was rested for Forest’s Europa League fixture before playing the full 90 in their 3-1 win over Leeds. Tuchel said Anderson “feels no pain” and described him as a key player who is performing at an elite level in the Premier League.
While stressing Anderson’s importance, Tuchel warned against public guarantees about World Cup selection. He emphasised elite football is driven by competition and form: Anderson is currently one of the squad’s top midfield options, but long-term careers require sustained performance and there are no automatic assurances for tournament places.