Thomas Tuchel has revealed he still plans to rotate the team for the Panama game, but it will be “more moderate” now England need to win.
The Three Lions might have already been confirmed at Group L winners if they had beaten Ghana in Boston, Massachusetts on Tuesday.
Instead, the game ended 0-0 and means England head into their final group game against Panama still needing a win to ensure they win in East Rutherford, New Jersey and better Ghana’s result against Croatia in order to finish top.
That would ensure England face in the round of 32 a team that had finished third in their respective group.
Tuchel has spoke about the extent to which he will rotate the team for the Panama match, with wingers Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford both pushing for their first starts at this World Cup.
Asked whether the Ghana draw complicates his plans to rotate, Tuchel replied: “Yes, but I was not even sure if I’ll do the full rotation. Maybe we would have.
“But I am not shy to still do some rotation now if we think that some players should be on the pitch but maybe it will be more moderate.”
Tuchel admitted it will be less than if they had beaten Ghana.
“Yes,” he said. “It’s not always fair if you just rotate your players in and say: ‘Okay, let’s perform’. Let’s see.”
Tuchel accepted the performance against Ghana was less thrilling than in the win over Croatia but felt the defensive approach of the west African side played a part.
“I know what we wanted and what we had to take care of,” he said. “I know it’s not crazy exciting, but it needs two to tango.”
