Thomas Tuchel says the “competition is on” to earn a place in England’s World Cup squad and insists the door will always be open for players with top quality and character to return.
The head coach made radical selection calls for this camp, placing the collective above individuals and introducing the possibility of star names not going to next summer’s World Cup by overlooking Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden despite both attackers being fit. Tuchel’s stated aim is to build the best team, not collect the best talents, and his hand was strengthened by England excelling without Bellingham, Foden and the injured Cole Palmer in their 3-0 friendly win over Wales on Thursday.
