Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad brings scrutiny on those the head coach has left out rather than the players he has selected.
Jude Bellingham’s exclusion may raise some eyebrows but Tuchel understandably feels there is no rush to bring back the Real Madrid star, who only returned to action in late September following shoulder surgery.
Manchester City’s Phil Foden and on-loan Everton forward Jack Grealish have both excelled in the early stages of the season, but Tuchel clearly believes he needs to see more from the pair – and England’s outstanding 5-0 win in Serbia will have shaped his thinking as he keeps faith with those who excelled in Belgrade.
Those who Tuchel utilised in England’s World Cup qualifier wins against Andorra, but far more significantly against Serbia, deserve the reward of continuity, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa making major contributions in Belgrade.
There will be disappointment that Arsenal’s Noni Madueke is not involved because of injury, after a goal and a fine personal display in Belgrade.
Anderson has looked right at home at England senior level, while Rogers fitted neatly into Bellingham’s number 10 role as Serbia were demolished.
Tuchel is a fan of Grealish, in particular, as well as Foden but this latest squad carries all the appearances of England’s head coach deciding, for now at least, that if something is not broken he will not attempt to fix it.
If there is one surprise, it comes in the absence of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who has made an outstanding start to the season and played a key role in the Eagles’ outstanding 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions. Tuchel, however, does have plenty of options in the central midfield area.
Bellingham, of course, will be needed further down the line but Tuchel is clearly satisfied he can rely on those who delivered by far the best display of his time in charge against Serbia.
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