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The five things Thomas Tuchel must pay closest attention to against Uruguay and Japan

England will face Uruguay and Japan in two World Cup warm-up matches this week and next as Thomas Tuchel ramps up his preparations for this summer’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

 

Tuchel has called up 35 players for the final international window before the summer, giving him an opportunity to assess more players. Here are five things he must pay attention to in the Three Lions’ upcoming two matches.

 

Who should be England’s starting centre backs?

England boast one of the deepest squads in international football, but the centre back group is an area of relative weakness. The friendlies against Uruguay and Japan could therefore be a valuable opportunity for Tuchel to test out some different options.

 

John Stones is fit again and is a solid bet to make England’s World Cup squad after playing their last two World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Serbia. Alongside Stones, though, it is less certain who will start. Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Fikayo Tomori are all in contention.

 

Is Lewis Hall or Nico O’Reilly first choice at left back?

At Euro 2024, left back was an obvious weakness in the England team. Gareth Southgate gambled on Luke Shaw being fit when that was never likely for the injury-prone Manchester United defender.

 

Now, Lewis Hall and Nico O’Reilly are seemingly vying for the one spot in Tuchel’s team with both players in good form at club level. Hall is a more orthodox up-and-down left back while O’Reilly is someone with the instincts to crash the penalty area whenever possible. Both should see game time against Uruguay and Japan.

 

What is the attacking midfield pecking order?

Tuchel is spoiled for choice when it comes to his options in attacking midfield. This, however, could give the German a selection headache. Jude Bellingham has been called up, but is only just returning to fitness for Real Madrid. Tuchel has also previously clashed with the central midfielder.

 

Cole Palmer is one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League. Right now, though, the Chelsea man is out of form. Morgan Rogers has been used by Tuchel in several matches and is still delivering for Aston Villa, but his selection in the first team would surely require at least one of Bellingham or Palmer to be dropped.

 

How big a problem is Bukayo Saka’s form?

Bukayo Saka has been a key figure for England for a number of years and is expected to be an important part of Tuchel’s team at the World Cup. The problem, however, is that Saka is currently struggling to find his best form for Arsenal, finding the back of the net just twice in his last 23 games in all competitions.

 

Tactically, Saka is a crucial part of the England set-up. He gives The Three Lions some much-needed verticality down the right side and is capable of driving at an opposition defender one-on-one to make something happen. It would be reassuring, though, if Saka could produce something of note against Uruguay and Japan.

 

Is Elliot Anderson still Declan Rice’s midfield partner?

Elliot Anderson has emerged as one of the best number sixes in the Premier League over the last two seasons with Nottingham Forest and is a good bet to be Declan Rice’s partner in the central midfield unit at the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel is clearly a fan of the 23-year-old.

 

However, Kobbie Mainoo could be given an opportunity to prove his quality against Uruguay and Japan with the 20-year-old back in favour at Manchester United. James Garner and Adam Wharton have also been included in the squad as Tuchel takes one last look at his midfield options before the summer.