Thomas Tuchel has used nine different combinations of full-backs and wingers across England’s three World Cup matches, involving eight different players — and still does not know his best team. Former captain Alan Shearer said: “The main aim was to top our group, and we did that, but we have arrived in the last 32 after so much chopping and changing in several positions that we are no closer to knowing what our best team is.”
Tuchel’s side face DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, and Shearer noted that the manager has “quite a lot to sort out” before that game. The defensive instability has been a worry: “Constantly changing the back four has not helped our defensive stability either. We’ve looked uncomfortable whenever teams have attacked us.”
“Thomas Tuchel has used nine different full-back/winger combinations in three World Cup games, leaving England's best XI unclear.”
The injuries to Reece James and Jarell Quansah at right-back have not helped, and Bukayo Saka has not been fully fit. But Tuchel has yet to find a consistent threat down the flanks. “For whatever reason, we have not posed a consistent threat down the flanks,” Shearer added.
Despite the uncertainty, there have been standout performers. Elliot Anderson “was absolutely superb against Panama”, while Jude Bellingham was man of the match and Harry Kane scored again. Along with Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice, “they are the spine of the team and you know you can hang your hat on them when it matters”. Shearer pointed to Bellingham’s goal against Panama — a set-piece finish from Saka’s corner — as an example of relying on individual brilliance rather than the system. “It wasn’t even a particularly good ball in, but Bellingham made it into one,” he said.
Now, Declan Rice is pushing for a return to the starting XI, and Tuchel has a big decision to make in defence. Shearer acknowledged that set-pieces are a strength, but the team would ideally create more chances in open play. “I’d prefer it if our system was providing us with a platform for creating lots of chances,” he said. The question remains: can England find a settled formula before the knockout rounds?