‘Very difficult’ – Ex-England manager warns Thomas Tuchel over one key World Cup conundrum

Thomas Tuchel will face backlash over any decision he makes over his attacking midfield selection in England’s World Cup squad.

That’s the view of former Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson, who has warned Tuchel that he can’t please everyone when it comes to choosing from an embarrassment of riches in the position.

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Tuchel’s selection headache

With the 2026 World Cup draw taking place on Friday, the race is well and truly on to earn a spot on the plane to next summer’s showpiece in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

And there is no greater competition for places among England’s ranks than in attacking midfield.

There has been plenty of talk already over how manager Tuchel will choose from the many quality options just behind talisman Harry Kane.

Headlining among the stars giving the German coach a real headache here are Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.

But the decisions don’t stop there, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Nottingham Forest man Morgan Gibbs-White also in the mix.

With no shortage of talent at his disposal, Tuchel will have to consider the players’ form at club level in the coming months, as well as assessing their ability to perform under his tactics.

The latter is especially important for the Three Lions boss, who has already warned that at least one of his playmakers will miss out.

Roy Hodgson’s warning

Speaking in November, the German said that Kane, Foden and Bellingham could not all play together in his current set-up, but later clarified this could be tweaked.

And while Tuchel may have backtracked on his stance, ex-England boss Hodgson, who managed the national team between 2012 and 2016, insisted there is no ideal scenario with regards to naming his squad.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Hodgson said: “I think it’s going to be a very, very good squad of players. There’s no question of that. 

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“I think Thomas’ problem is going to be obviously the scrutiny around his final selection because certainly in those attacking midfield or playmaker areas, I don’t think the nation’s ever had such a lot of players to choose from, so it’s always going to be very difficult.

“Whichever one he chooses or whichever two he chooses, it’s going to be two or three others that everyone’s going to say: ‘You should have gone’. 

“And then, of course, it will all depend upon the games – if the games go well, those players play and win, it was a great choice. 

“But if the team doesn’t win, they should have taken the two or three left at home.”

Since taking charge of the national team in January, Tuchel has already shown that he isn’t afraid to make big selection calls.

The ex-Chelsea boss left both Foden and Bellingham out of his previous squads on account of their club form, and only recalled the pair in November’s international break after the pair showed improvement.

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And Tuchel will likely have to develop an even more ruthless streak in the months leading up to his final decision.

Manchester City star Foden has been in red hot form recently, while Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer – usually a Three Lions mainstay – must find form quickly after returning from an ongoing groin issue.

Meanwhile, Villa playmaker Rogers has started six out of Tuchel’s 10 games as England manager, highlighting the competition for places.

‘A courtesy thing’

While Hodgson had words of warning for Tuchel over his squad selection, he also reminded him of the importance of taking care of his England duties on a day-to-day basis.

Asked how the England boss will fill his time between now and the World Cup, he replied: “I don’t think really that studying the players is going to be the most important job he has. I think he knows them. 

“It’s more a courtesy thing to some extent, making certain you’re being seen to be doing your job, being seen to go around and meeting, of course, with other trainers or coaches who actually coach the players on a daily basis and maybe having some dialogue with them as well to find out if there’s anything that you’re missing in the little bit of time you spend with them.

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“But I don’t think really it’s a question of scouting in the old-fashioned sense. I think the scouting is basically done. 

“I think it’s a question of going around, watching the games and perhaps as you get closer to the tournament, keeping your fingers crossed that nothing untoward happens, especially to those key players that you’ve pencilled in. 

“I mean, at the moment the way the team’s playing, you wouldn’t want to do it without Rice and Kane to name two, for example.”

Listen to the 2026 World Cup draw live on talkSPORT this Friday.