The positions in Tuchel’s England side still up for grabs | OneFootball

England are well on their way to next summer’s World Cup with maximum points in qualification after three games.

The Three Lions face Serbia on Tuesday night, where a win will put them on the verge of the tournament. England have not quite convinced under Thomas Tuchel to date, and there remain question marks over the starting team.

If all players are fit and available, there are arguably six certain starters based on current status and past performances: Jordan Pickford, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane.

Tuchel still has plenty to do to work out his best XI, and we’ve looked at the positions – and frontrunners – to cement a place.

Right-back

England once had an abundance of depth at right-back, but Kyle Walker’s advancing years, Kieran Trippier’s retirement, and fitness issues elsewhere have made the spot open.

Trent Alexander-Arnold completed a Galactico move to Real Madrid this summer, but the 26-year-old has been regularly overlooked at international level. Alexander-Arnold has won just 34 caps despite his success at club level and was left out of the squad for this month’s fixtures.

Reece James has started each of the last three competitive internationals and scored a stunning free-kick in March’s win over Latvia. A torrid fitness record has prevented the Chelsea captain from winning more caps to date. Tino Livramento offers an alternative right-back option.

Frontrunner: Reece James

Centre-back

John Stones and Harry Maguire once had the centre-back spots cemented for England, but neither are in favour right now. Stones is arguably England’s best defender but was not included in the latest squad despite starting the opening three league games for Manchester City.

Dan Burn has been largely faultless in his three caps despite limited opposition, with England yet to concede a goal with the Newcastle man on the pitch. Ezri Konsa is another option, while Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is capable of breaking into the set-up.

Frontrunner: John Stones

Left-back

England are likely to head to next summer’s tournament with an inexperienced option at left-back. The battle looks to be between Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, who have each shown promise in the position.

Hall, however, has had injury problems, while Lewis-Skelly has lost his place at club level to Riccardo Calafiori. Tino Livramento has also deputised at left-back for club and country.

Frontrunner: Myles Lewis-Skelly

Central midfield

Perhaps the most important area of the pitch to address. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham look certain starters, but selecting the right profile to complement them has been problematic. Does Rice revert to an anchor role to allow a more creative option to feature? Or does Tuchel look for a number six to allow the Arsenal man room to roam forward? Cole Palmer would be the obvious selection if it is the former.

The calls for Adam Wharton’s inclusion are loud despite just a solitary cap, while Elliot Anderson impressed on debut against Andorra. The latter has an impressive mix of tenacity off the ball and progressive use of it, with the Nottingham Forest midfielder hoping for another chance to impress against Serbia tomorrow evening.

Frontrunner: Elliot Anderson

Left-wing

Thomas Tuchel has an interesting array of options for the left side of his forward line. An experiment with Phil Foden in past regimes failed to work out, and Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, and Morgan Rogers all offer different profiles.

Much will hinge on their club form, with none of that group having started the season at their best level.

Frontrunner: Morgan Rogers

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