Tuchel praises ‘excellent’ Foden as he stars in false nine role in England win | OneFootball

England claimed a routine 2-0 win over Serbia last night to maintain their perfect World Cup qualifying record under Thomas Tuchel.

The Three Lions sealed the win thanks to goals from Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze. 

However, fans were surprised when Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden came on for Harry Kane in the 70th minute and took up his position.

Despite having conventional striking options on the bench, Tuchel called on Foden to replace the England captain.

Foden starred as a false nine and gave a good account of himself in the position, providing the assist for Eze’s goal.

He gave the Three Lions a different option and earned praise from Tuchel for his display.

The German tactician said (via the Daily Mail), “It was excellent from Phil. He has been confident from the first minute he walked into camp, and that was the same with his first touch on the pitch. 

“He can play against any opponent. I like to have him in the centre of the field. It’s a big challenge to challenge Harry as he is in the form of his life.

“But Phil can share the minutes in decisive moments. I had the idea of him playing there a few weeks ago. I played against him when I was manager at Chelsea during a great period for City. 

“He was in the pocket, getting on the half turn and shooting. You couldn’t control him.

“He has had a difficult spell at City, but has come back in a deeper role. I wanted to see him in the middle of traffic here.”

Foden’s emergence as a false nine could become a surprise weapon Tuchel springs on opponents at the World Cup, as England look to end their 60-year wait for a second trophy. 

Despite his immense talent, Foden has never truly found a defined role in the England set-up, often floating between midfield and the wings without fully convincing in either position. 

This fluid role unlocks his sharp movement, ability to receive between the lines and quick-fire combinations, qualities that trouble organised defences. 

With Kane carrying the goalscoring load, Foden offers something entirely different.

If Tuchel leans into this tactical tweak, Foden could shift from peripheral figure to genuine tournament-winning X-factor.