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This marks the completion of the initial stage of the task assigned to Tuchel by the Football Association after he took over from Sir Gareth Southgate. The objective remains clear: to secure the World Cup victory.
Tuchel's strategizing now transitions to the subsequent phase – what key considerations must he evaluate before finalizing his World Cup roster in an effort to put an end to a 60-year drought for a significant men's title?
Bellingham or Rogers?
The competition for England's number 10 shirt between childhood friends Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers adds an intriguing layer to Tuchel's preparation for the World Cup.
Tuchel emphasizes that the competition can be amicable, even though he has seemingly fueled this rivalry, eager to foster intensity and competitiveness within his squad.
Together with Declan Rice, Rogers stands out as the only other England player to have participated in all 10 matches during Tuchel's tenure.
Rogers seized the opportunity to make an impression while Bellingham was sidelined post-shoulder surgery, and Tuchel chose to maintain his trust in Aston Villa's 23-year-old rather than immediately reinstating one of the renowned stars in England's lineup.
After a brief 25-minute appearance as a substitute against Serbia at Wembley, Bellingham was named a starter in Tirana, showcasing an array of skills that sparked considerable debate regarding his potential.
Bellingham displayed his passing ability, made characteristic driving runs, almost scored in the second half, yet also exhibited some petulance, receiving a yellow card for a foul subsequent to losing possession and displaying dissatisfaction when being substituted, much to Tuchel’s concern.
The impressive rise of Rogers on the international scene presents Tuchel with a delightful dilemma, especially as the intense temperatures anticipated during next summer's World Cup suggest he might categorize players into “starters” and “finishers,” with both Bellingham and Rogers capable of fulfilling either role.
Rogers has a strong supporter in Tuchel, having participated in 10 matches, starting six and accumulating 531 minutes of play. In contrast, Bellingham has started in four matches, totaling 374 minutes.
Tuchel remains undeterred by challenging decisions. He will avoid falling into a star-centric approach or simply assembling a team based solely on prominent names.
So, who will take the field first?
Despite Rogers' notable contributions, Bellingham has demonstrated his ability to create pivotal moments at the highest levels of competition, a fact underscored when Kristjan Asllani of Albania opted to request Bellingham’s shirt at half-time rather than wait until the match concluded.
Phil Foden is also on Tuchel's radar, as the German views the Manchester City forward not as a traditional winger but as a blend between a nine and a ten.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer possesses the skill and finesse to earn a place in the squad if he can recover from his groin injury.
Nonetheless, it appears as though the decision may boil down to a choice between Bellingham and Rogers.
Bellingham's superior experience in high-stakes tournaments is likely to grant him the advantage when Tuchel makes his selections for England’s opening match in the World Cup.
Kane is essential – but who are the alternatives?
Harry Kane upheld his impressive record with the England national team by scoring twice in Albania, securing a victory as they wrapped up their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Kane may be 32 years old, yet he appears to be at the height of his abilities, demonstrating exceptional goal-scoring prowess while embodying a well-rounded player. He is ready to drop back and engage in the less glamorous tasks on the pitch, yet he consistently makes his presence felt in critical moments when goals are needed.
Conor Coady, a former England defender, expressed on BBC Radio 5 Live, "Imagining England without Harry Kane is something I want to avoid. The impact he has on this team is incredible."
"The consistency of his performances and the numbers he continues to achieve are astonishing and are a testament to his determination. He’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave the training field. He is truly our greatest asset as we look ahead to the upcoming year."
Kane is essential, holding the record for the most goals for England with 78 in 112 matches.
In his absence, the team's performance noticeably declines. While his potential substitutes are all capable players, they simply do not match the caliber of Harry Kane.
The primary concern for Tuchel is an injury to his captain, especially since viable replacements are not readily available.
There has been talk of Brighton's 34-year-old veteran Danny Welbeck, reflecting the forward's lasting talent, despite last representing England seven years ago, it also highlights a worrying lack of options.
Tuchel noted that Welbeck was "very close" to being called up for England's latest squad, but remarked, "Even without knowing him well, I understand what he could offer. Do I really need to evaluate this in November?"
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins has been included, though Ivan Toney has since faded from the picture after a puzzling two-minute appearance in last June's friendly against Senegal after being called up from Saudi Arabia.
Marcus Rashford is able to operate as a striker, while Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United has also filled that role for his club, though he isn't a natural fit for the position.
Foden has been mentioned as a possible tactical adjustment should England require a primary striker, but ultimately, there remains no one who comes close to Kane's level of quality.
As Coady emphasized, it is unimaginable to consider an England without Harry Kane participating in the World Cup.
Tuchel reflects on defensive dilemmas.
John Stones showcased his skill and adaptability in a hybrid position in Tirana, primarily playing as a central defender while also stepping into a midfield role when England had possession. This versatility could add a valuable dimension to Tuchel's tactical approach.
Former England defender Stephen Warnock commented on BBC Radio 5 Live, "The match against Albania emphasizes the significance of John Stones to this England team. He is orchestrating play effectively both from a centre-back and midfield position. It’s truly impressive."
A more traditional back four is anticipated for the World Cup, narrowing the options down to two from Stones, Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa, and Marc Guehi, the captain of Crystal Palace, for the center of defense.
Stones likely holds an advantage with his extensive experience, while both Konsa and Guehi, absent during the win in Albania due to injury, have also made strides as international players.
Coady expressed: "I believe it’s very competitive. Konsa has excelled. In my opinion, it’s up to Stones and Guehi to maintain their positions. Keeping Stones healthy for the World Cup is extremely important."
Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen made his much-anticipated senior debut against Albania, making an impact as he began centrally before shifting to a wider position.
Tuchel is also faced with a decision regarding his left-back, with a thrilling group of young talents vying for that spot.
Myles Lewis-Skelly from Arsenal, Djed Spence of Tottenham, and Nico O'Reilly from Manchester City have all received their first senior appearances under Tuchel, but it was O'Reilly who started and stood out in the last two qualifiers.
Tino Livramento from Newcastle United, who is currently sidelined with an injury, might be the frontrunner for the position, while Lewis-Skelly was omitted by Tuchel due to insufficient game time this season. O'Reilly may have taken the lead over Spence following this training camp.
The position remains available for the taking.
Will Rashford be starting on the left flank?
With Bukayo Saka securing the right wing position, the question remains who will occupy the other side?
Marcus Rashford left a memorable impression on Tuchel during England’s World Cup qualifier with an outstanding cross that led to Kane’s second goal in Tirana.
Rashford has made a strong argument for selection, but Gordon has also shone, while Tuchel holds a favorable view of Arsenal’s Noni Madueke, who is presently injured.
Jack Grealish has performed well on loan at Everton; however, he faces too much competition and has not played for the Three Lions since October 2024.
Eberechi Eze featured against Albania and is capable of playing on the left or in a number 10 role, yet he is not a primary candidate to compete with Bellingham and Rogers in that area.
If Rashford aimed to provide Tuchel with something to ponder, his excellent cross for Kane to complete his brace surely gave the head coach ample material to consider.
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