England winners and losers from Thomas Tuchel’s latest camp | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel will have been disappointed with England’s final warm-up preparations for the 2026 World Cup, as the Three Lions failed to beat Uruguay and Japan this month.

That said, more lessons are often learned in defeat. We’ve picked out the winners and losers from England’s March internationals.

Winner – James Garner

The Everton midfielder made his debut as a starter against Uruguay and looked at ease in the England midfield. Offered calm in the centre of Tuchel’s side, producing the sort of accomplished under-the-radar display that has been a trademark this season.

Garner’s dangerous deliveries from set pieces and defensive diligence out of possession saw him earn comparisons to Real Madrid superstar Federico Valverde from the England manager. He’s done his chances of inclusion this summer no harm.

Loser – Phil Foden

Phil Foden faces a fight to convince Tuchel that he deserves a place on the plane, following another underwhelming camp in an England shirt. Foden remains one of the country’s most gifted footballers but has struggled to produce his Manchester City standard with the national team.

Given a free role against Uruguay, he failed to make the most of that rare opportunity, before an anonymous performance as a false nine against Japan. He’s scored just four times in 49 caps and hasn’t netted for England since 2023. His last competitive goal was at the last World Cup.

Winner – Elliot Anderson

If he hadn’t before this camp, Elliot Anderson looks to have secured his place in Thomas Tuchel’s best team. Anderson offered rare quality in a frustrating performance against Japan, completing 111 passes at 94.9% accuracy, creating one chance, and making four interceptions.

The Nottingham Forest midfielder looks like the best balance alongside Declan Rice this summer.

Loser – Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Recalled to the England squad after five years in the international wilderness, Calvert-Lewin will have been determined to make an impression. Missed the mark with a free header against Uruguay before withdrawing from the squad.

Winner – Marcus Rashford

The battle for England’s left-wing role appears a direct one between Rashford and Anthony Gordon, with the former producing the better performances during March’s break.

Rashford lit up a dull first half against Uruguay with his willingness to take on defenders, including one run past several opposition players. It was the kind of action that can break games open at international level, and Tuchel will know that.

Loser – Thomas Tuchel

Have England got carried away by a flawless qualification campaign against ‘lesser’ nations? Since taking charge of England, Tuchel has faced three countries inside FIFA’s top 20 and failed to beat any of them.

This month’s draw with Uruguay and defeat to Japan followed a reverse against Senegal last June, in a worrying trend for the Three Lions.

Each of those games were friendlies and led to experimentation, but question marks will again be asked. Particularly, given that none of those sides are ranked in the top 10.

Read – Guehi calls on England to stay positive despite Japan defeat

See more – Thomas Tuchel hopes England can learn from Japan loss

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