England manager Thomas Tuchel sought continuity when assembling his squad for the recent UEFA Nations League matches, aiming to build on the momentum from the World Cup semi-final run in North America. However, injuries and withdrawals significantly altered his plans, leaving him with just 12 players who had featured at the World Cup available for the final match against Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday.
Tuchel’s approach to this international window was cautious yet progressive, retaining the core principles from the World Cup campaign while introducing subtle tactical tweaks. The team was encouraged to exhibit greater positional fluidity, trust their instincts, and take calculated risks within a defensive framework centered on collective coverage. This strategy saw England bounce back from an initial defeat to Spain with three victories, including a 7-0 win against Croatia and two wins over Czechia.
Several players emerged as clear beneficiaries during this period. Alex Scott and Lewis Hall were among the standout performers, with midfielder Myles Lewis-Skelly also earning praise. Scott, in particular, impressed with his composure and dynamic movement, although a thigh injury against Croatia has sidelined him for approximately two months, ruling him out of upcoming November fixtures against Croatia and Spain. Tuchel described Scott’s recent performances as “on a completely new level,” noting the midfielder’s strength and adaptability.
Lewis-Skelly, primarily used in midfield rather than his usual left-back role, started three matches and earned valuable minutes off the bench. His discipline, however, raised concerns, having accrued yellow cards in both meetings versus Czechia, resulting in a suspension for the next home match against Croatia. Meanwhile, Hall has solidified his position at left-back following his strong displays, which Tuchel described as “top matches,” positioning him ahead of other contenders like Nico O’Reilly and Djed Spence in the pecking order.
At right-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold marked a successful return, contributing a key assist and demonstrating his offensive capabilities. Despite this, Tuchel remains cautious about Alexander-Arnold’s long-term role, citing competition from Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Spence, all currently preferred when fit. The defensive line also saw Jarell Quansah deployed centrally at Wembley, reflecting Tuchel’s ongoing adjustments within his backline.
Other players faced challenges in maintaining or regaining their place. Cole Palmer’s withdrawal, accompanied by public doubts from Tuchel about his commitment to England, and Phil Foden’s omission highlight the evolving demands of the squad’s playing style, which emphasizes aggression and energy. Morgan Gibbs-White received a late call-up as a potential alternative.
Looking ahead to November, Tuchel anticipates the return of key figures such as John Stones and Marcus Rashford. Stones is expected to benefit from his move to Serie A’s slower tempo to restore form and fitness, while Rashford retains Tuchel’s confidence despite competition from Anthony Gordon, who has established himself on the left wing.
With Euro 2028 in mind, Tuchel’s recent squad selections and performances signal a transitional phase focused on integrating emerging talent and refining a tactical identity, albeit amid ongoing challenges posed by injuries and player availability.