🤖 AI predicts Thomas Tuchel's first England XI 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel will make his England bow when the Three Lions take on Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifiers later this week.

After the German named his first squad last week, all eyes will be on his first starting XI.

We asked AI to predict Tuchel's first England starting line-up, and here's what it came up with.

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Tuchel has historically favoured systems with three at the back, providing defensive solidity while allowing wing-backs to push forward. Given the options, a 3-4-2-1 system seems like a strong fit.

Starting XI:

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GK: Jordan Pickford (Everton)

The most experienced goalkeeper in the squad and England’s long-time No.1. His distribution suits Tuchel’s preference for building from the back.

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CBs: Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Man City), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Levi Colwill (Chelsea)

Walker brings leadership and recovery pace, crucial in a back three.

Guehi is an intelligent defender, comfortable playing out from the back.

Colwill’s versatility and composure in possession align well with Tuchel’s build-up play.

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Wing-backs: Reece James (Chelsea), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)

James, when fit, is one of the best wing-backs in the world, offering defensive stability and attacking threat.

Gordon is a more attacking choice on the left, but his work rate and ability to stretch defences make him an intriguing option in this role.

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CMs: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Rice is the perfect holding midfielder, protecting the back three while dictating play.

Bellingham is an all-round midfielder who can carry the ball forward, break lines, and support the attack.

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Attacking Midfielders: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

Foden thrives in central areas, linking midfield and attack. His technical quality is crucial.

Eze adds flair and creativity, capable of unlocking tight defences.

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ST: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, Captain)

The undisputed leader and goalscorer. Kane also drops deep to create space for runners like Foden and Eze.

Tactical Justifications:

✅ Three-at-the-back solidity: Walker’s pace helps cover defensive gaps, while Guehi and Colwill offer strong distribution.

✅ Wing-back balance: James provides width and defensive cover, while Gordon offers an aggressive outlet on the left.

✅ Control in midfield: Rice and Bellingham provide defensive stability and attacking drive.

✅ Fluid attack: Foden and Eze can interchange, drifting into pockets of space behind Kane.

What do you think of this XI? Let us know in the comments!

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