"England's job is already done. Qualification for next summer's World Cup has been wrapped up with time to spare, and for Thomas Tuchel, that's both a luxury and a test. With two qualifiers still to come - against Serbia and Albania - there's no pressure on results. The real question is what he does with that freedom. This international break isn't about chasing points or polishing the first-choice XI."
"Tuchel's defensive setup has constantly changed since his arrival. Jordan Pickford has often sat behind a back four of Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento, but injuries have meant the former Chelsea boss has had to assess other options. Ezri Konsa has been excellent for Aston Villa this season and looks like the most natural candidate to step in. He's calm in possession, athletic in recovery, and tactically sharp enough to shift between a back four and back three, qualities that fit Tuchel's system well."
England secured early qualification for the next World Cup, leaving Thomas Tuchel free from results pressure in the remaining qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. The camp provides an opportunity to experiment and assess squad depth rather than repeat the predictable first-choice XI. Key starters such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka need not be prioritised for qualifying minutes. Defensive choices have fluctuated with injuries, prompting evaluation of options like Jordan Pickford, Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Tino Livramento, Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah. Full-back alternatives, including Djed Spence, merit testing due to James's injury concerns.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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