Thomas Tuchel initially intended to maintain stability. The England head coach hoped to build on the encouraging aspects of the World Cup campaign and retain most of the players involved in the run to the semi-finals in North America. His selection for the four Nations League fixtures and the start of a new international chapter was not supposed to feature sweeping changes. But even the most carefully prepared plans can unravel.
While preparing to announce his squad in mid-September, Tuchel already knew injuries would rule out several World Cup players. More withdrawals followed after the group was confirmed. By Tuesday night’s match against Czechia at Wembley, the last of the four fixtures, only 12 members of his World Cup squad remained available. Tuchel understands that football develops rapidly and waits for no one, making adaptability essential in his role. Even so, this situation felt unusually severe.
Tuchel and his coaching staff were determined to test a refined tactical approach as England attempted to recover from the painful World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina. The changes were not drastic because the core principles remained intact. Players were encouraged to move more freely, rely on their judgment and take calculated risks, while always ensuring teammates were covered. Some fresh personnel were required to make the system work. After a promising international period featuring a defeat by Spain followed by three victories—two over Czechia and a 7-0 triumph against Croatia in Rijeka—Tuchel may believe he has identified the right players.
Every international gathering produces players who gain ground and others who fall behind. This time, those contrasts appeared especially significant because the camp represented a new beginning and an opportunity to move forward after the loss to Argentina. It was expected to establish the mood for England’s long-term ambition of winning Euro 2028.
Alex Scott and Lewis Hall emerged as the leading success stories, while Myles Lewis-Skelly also deserved recognition. James Trafford strengthened his case to replace Jordan Pickford as the preferred goalkeeper, and Trent Alexander-Arnold once again demonstrated his distinctive but complex qualities.
The players who missed the camp may consider themselves among those who lost ground, particularly after Tuchel warned that returning would now be more difficult. “That is always the reality,” he said. “Everybody should be eager to join because the team keeps moving forward. The players who fully committed deserve enormous credit. Our focus and energy can only go toward the camp and those taking part. They are the ones who make it special.”
Tuchel praised Scott and Hall as “truly outstanding”. His enthusiasm for Scott, in particular, was impossible to hide. The midfielder impressed after entering in the 70th minute for his debut against Czechia in Prague, before producing an excellent starting performance against Croatia. His composure when receiving on the turn and his energetic forward runs were especially striking.
When assistant coach Anthony Barry discussed the mobile, tireless midfielders suited to England’s approach, he highlighted three names: the established pair of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, along with Scott. It was therefore particularly disappointing when Scott aggravated a thigh injury against Croatia. He is expected to miss two months, ruling him out of November’s matches with Croatia and Spain. Tuchel had previously worked with him in November 2025 and during the pre-World Cup camp in Florida. “Alex returned this time at an entirely different standard,” Tuchel said. “He was exceptionally strong.”
Graphic displaying the minutes played by England players during the international break
Lewis-Skelly also enjoyed a productive spell, with Tuchel using him as a midfielder rather than a left-back for the first time. The 20-year-old started three matches and entered as a 79th-minute substitute against Croatia. One concern was that he received yellow cards in both games against Czechia, leaving him suspended for the home fixture with Croatia. “I did not realise he was already on a yellow card,” Tuchel said after Tuesday’s match at Wembley, somewhat surprisingly. The coach is well aware of the importance of avoiding situations that could lead to a dismissal.
Kobbie Mainoo may lose ground because of the progress made by Scott and Lewis-Skelly. Tuchel expressed sympathy for the Manchester United midfielder after injury forced him to withdraw, especially because Mainoo had not played a single minute at the World Cup. However, Rice is certain to return after being granted a rest during this window, while James Garner is also being considered, meaning Mainoo must prove himself again. The same applies to Jordan Henderson, who had not regained full fitness after breaking his arm at the World Cup.
Hall seized his opportunity at left-back after Nico O’Reilly featured against Spain and then withdrew through injury. Hall started all three subsequent fixtures, earning praise from Tuchel for delivering “three outstanding performances”. He now appears to be the leading choice in that position and has earned the right to retain his place in November. That creates an unfavorable situation for O’Reilly and Djed Spence, who has yet to play this season.
Did Alexander-Arnold make the most of his unexpected return at right-back? Based on his starts in the two matches against Czechia, he could hardly have offered more. He supplied an excellent cross for Anthony Gordon’s opening goal in Prague and produced an energetic, attacking display at Wembley. Alexander-Arnold’s abilities are already widely understood, and he displayed them once again. His unique qualities continue to provide a convincing argument for his inclusion.
The situation becomes more complicated when Reece James, Tino Livramento and Spence are available. Tuchel has previously indicated that he ranks all three ahead of Alexander-Arnold. He also said Ben White might have received a call-up had he been fit, while Jarell Quansah remains another option, even though the Bayer Leverkusen player would prefer to be assessed as a central defender. Tuchel used him in that role against Czechia at Wembley, selecting him ahead of Trevoh Chalobah and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Cole Palmer has faced intense scrutiny since withdrawing, particularly after Tuchel questioned his desire to represent England. The Chelsea No 10 now appears to have a difficult route back into the squad, and Phil Foden faces a similar challenge. Both were passed over when Morgan Gibbs-White received a late call-up, and neither seems naturally suited to the team’s forceful style. “I cannot say whether they are,” Tuchel admitted. “That is the truthful response. They were not part of this camp. The players who were here moved the team forward again, and the focus must always be on those who are present.”
Tuchel has several decisions to make before November’s fixtures. He will be eager for John Stones to regain his fitness and form at Inter. There is optimism that playing in Serie A, where matches generally unfold at a slower pace, could help the central defender rediscover his rhythm. Marcus Rashford is also expected to return. He remains highly regarded by Tuchel, although Gordon has established himself as the first-choice option on the left wing.
Another question is whether Noni Madueke can reclaim his place on the right after being omitted. There is also uncertainty surrounding Saudi Pro League forwards Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, who were left out as well. Tuchel currently views Jude Bellingham as Harry Kane’s alternative in the No 9 role. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, received only short substitute appearances against Spain and Czechia at Wembley. England’s evolution continues at speed.
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