Thomas Tuchel has made it clear that he will not rotate England’s squad purely to accommodate club managers, despite the domestic season reaching a crucial stage. The England head coach is focused on raising standards ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Latvia and believes that resting players unnecessarily would send the wrong message.
The issue of balancing international and club commitments has been a contentious one, with previous England managers facing criticism from club coaches. Last year, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola was frustrated when John Stones sustained an injury after playing in both of England’s friendlies. However, Tuchel, who previously shared similar concerns as a club manager, emphasized that his priorities have now shifted, and his main focus is on preparing England for upcoming challenges.
The head coach pointed out that Arsenal did not rest Declan Rice in their Champions League last-16 tie against PSV Eindhoven despite holding a 7-1 advantage from the first leg. Using that as an example, Tuchel argued that international teams should not feel obligated to prioritize club needs over their own objectives.
“We take care of the players and monitor them carefully, but we also have a qualifier to win. It would not be right to tell players they should rest because of their club schedule. Our responsibility is to ensure we perform well while avoiding unnecessary risks.”
Tuchel underlined his commitment to keeping players fit and acknowledged the importance of club competitions. “I don’t want players to get injured. I want them to play in the quarter-finals of the Champions League because I enjoy watching those games. Clubs take care of themselves, and we take care of ourselves, with the ultimate priority being the players.”
A key challenge for Tuchel is finding the right attacking balance. With a wealth of creative talent at his disposal, he acknowledged that some high-profile names may not make the final World Cup squad.
“It has to be balanced. This is not just about winning against Latvia but about how we win and how we raise our standards. There are many players suited for the No 10 role, but we cannot accommodate them all. The goal is to find the best team, not just assemble the 26 most talented players.”
Phil Foden’s form has also come under scrutiny. He struggled in the recent match against Albania and has not replicated his Manchester City performances at the international level. Tuchel acknowledged that Foden is missing confidence and rhythm but firmly believes he and Jude Bellingham can play together in the same lineup.
“One hundred percent, they can play together. There’s no reason why they shouldn’t. Phil’s numbers for City are exceptional, though they haven’t translated to international performances. We need to build something that allows him to express himself the way he does at club level.”
With Tuchel determined to elevate England’s standards, his approach signals a firm stance on prioritizing national team objectives while maintaining player welfare. As the World Cup qualifiers continue, the focus will be on balancing squad selection and ensuring England performs at its highest level.
