Tuchel shows depth yet keeps key pieces untouched
Thomas Tuchel introduced a wave of substitutes that showed England’s deep strength. He kept one cornerstone of his World Cup plans on the pitch. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze came on after 65 minutes as Tuchel’s “finishers”. They helped secure the win against Serbia and extended England’s perfect qualification run. Eze confirmed the 2-0 victory with a spectacular strike. Bukayo Saka stayed on for the full match and showed again how vital he is. He scored a stunning opening goal that set England on their way.
Saka thrives while others fight for roles
England already secured a World Cup spot, yet the battle for places remains fierce. Morgan Rogers and Bellingham fight for the number 10 role. Manchester City’s Foden wants to break into the team. Tuchel has no such concerns with Saka. Saka scored his 14th England goal in 47 matches since his 2020 debut. He is Arsenal’s record England scorer after passing Cliff Bastin in October. Only injury can stop him starting England’s first World Cup match. Tuchel trusts him as a proven game-changer for club and country. He stands beside Harry Kane as a reliable lieutenant for next summer.
Kane’s hunger remains strong
Kane showed desire with one second-half moment when he dropped deep then regained the ball with a fierce tackle. He remains England’s talisman with 76 goals in 111 games. Tuchel welcomed goals from elsewhere as Saka and Eze delivered classy finishes. The match lacked qualifying pressure, yet players with ambitions treated it as high-stakes. Bellingham, Foden and Eze used their minutes to press their cases. Tuchel praised their impact and said the team must keep that mindset. He stressed the focus lies on building a collective, not only a starting eleven. He urged players to put ego aside for the team.
Selection puzzles and new contenders
Tuchel still faces questions over left-back, central defence, the number 10 role and the left flank. The Serbia match offered limited clues yet reinforced England’s power. Tuchel values loyalty and rewarded form by keeping Rogers in the side. Rogers repaid him with energy and neat touches, including a smart move that almost set up Marcus Rashford. Bellingham waited 65 minutes before entering to huge cheers. He pushed hard to impress, shooting wildly once but combining with Foden to set up Eze’s curling strike. The night settled nothing between Rogers and Bellingham. Both give Tuchel a welcome problem. Bellingham remains favoured for the World Cup, but Rogers left a strong mark. Bellingham will likely start in Tirana against Albania.
Foden pushes for influence
Foden remains an outsider in the number 10 debate yet impressed with a lively cameo. He cut through central areas, created danger and assisted Eze. Kane holds the central role without question, yet Foden stays in Tuchel’s plans. Tuchel praised his confidence, sharpness and fluid movement. He called him an option to work beside Kane in certain moments. Foden’s self-belief was clear from the moment he entered the pitch.
A defence and attack still in motion
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, unbeaten in qualifying with a record tenth straight clean sheet, praised England’s depth. He welcomed the variety created by Kane dropping deep and Foden arriving with threat. He said the squad must perform well because competition is fierce. He credited Rogers for stepping up while Bellingham returned after the summer break. He noted the quality on the bench and stressed unity as England push forward. Nico O’Reilly made a composed senior debut at left-back, a position still open. Ezri Konsa continues to grow and challenge for a central defensive place. Rashford faces competition from Anthony Gordon, missing with injury, and Noni Madueke when fit. Rashford showed skill at Wembley but lacked final product. He must keep pushing to stay ahead of rivals.
Focus turns to Albania with places at stake
England now travel to Tirana to face Albania on Sunday. The battle for starting places remains wide open as Tuchel continues his World Cup auditions.
