England’s squad is undergoing some changes as they prepare for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Latvia, following their 2-0 victory over Albania.
Manager Thomas Tuchel had to make some tough decisions about the final 23-man roster, leaving out two key players from the squad.
Tuchel’s Assessment and Squad Adjustments
Tuchel has been carefully evaluating his squad over the past week, and Friday’s performance against Albania gave him further insight into his players’ abilities.
The upcoming game against Latvia will offer another opportunity for these World Cup hopefuls to prove themselves to the new manager.
However, Tuchel made it clear that, for him, team chemistry and the overall squad dynamic are more important than individual talent.
Unfortunately, two players won’t be joining the squad for the Latvia game.
Anthony Gordon had already left the camp to return to Newcastle due to injury, and now, Tino Livramento and Aaron Ramsdale have also been excluded from the 23-man roster.
Livramento, who was part of the squad against Albania but didn’t see any playing time, won’t be included this time either.
Ramsdale, on the other hand, hasn’t made the cut for either match.
Tuchel’s Focus on Team Spirit Over Individual Talent
Tuchel emphasized the importance of getting the right team dynamic in place for the upcoming tournament.
He acknowledged that it’s possible to leave out very talented players if it benefits the overall squad.
“In the next 16 months, it’s essential to find the right team, not just the most talented 26 players,” he explained.
The manager also highlighted that tournament football is different from qualifiers, and building a strong team spirit is crucial.
Foden and Rashford Under Pressure
Despite criticism from pundits, both Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford remain part of the squad. Roy Keane, in particular, had some sharp words for Foden, warning that if his performances don’t improve, he could be dropped from the squad. Tuchel also reflected on their performances, noting that both wingers didn’t have the impact expected, especially compared to their club form. He suggested that they struggled to receive the ball in better positions and that the team didn’t utilize their runs effectively.
However, Tuchel praised their work off the ball, acknowledging their high defensive effort and their involvement in the counter-press.
He mentioned that Foden may not have found the momentum he usually displays, and Rashford’s runs were sometimes overlooked.
Tuchel expressed confidence that both players could improve and meet the team’s expectations, particularly in one-on-one situations where they can showcase their individual skills.
Looking Ahead to Latvia
With the squad adjustments now made, England will turn their attention to the upcoming qualifier against Latvia.
The players who remain in the squad will have a chance to build on their win over Albania and prove their worth as they continue their journey toward the World Cup.