Bellingham, Foden & Kane Can’t All Start Together, Says Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel has made a bold statement about England’s tactical setup for the upcoming World Cup, suggesting that Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Harry Kane cannot all start together in the same team. Despite the undeniable talent of each player, Tuchel believes their skills cannot be optimally utilized in England’s current system.

England’s Tactical Challenges

Bellingham, the dynamic midfielder from Real Madrid, and Foden, the versatile forward from Manchester City, were both called up for England’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania. But Tuchel, who has been overseeing England’s preparation, has concerns about how to fit them, along with captain Kane, into a cohesive system.

Speaking to TalkSport, Tuchel explained: “At the moment, if we keep the structure, they cannot play together. They can, but not in the structure we’ve developed. Not for the balance we’ve found, which also comes with wingers — players who are specialists in their positions.”

Under Tuchel, England has been playing a 4-3-3 formation, with Harry Kane leading the attack, flanked by wingers like Bukayo Saka on the right and either Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford on the left. In this setup, the role of the number 10 behind Kane is crucial, and Tuchel has several top-tier options to consider.

Fierce Competition for the Number 10 Spot

With Bellingham, Foden, and other talented players all vying for the number 10 position, Tuchel’s job is anything but easy. Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer (currently sidelined with injury) are also in the mix. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze are additional contenders for the coveted playmaker role.

Given the sheer number of talented options, Tuchel suggested that it’s highly unlikely he will include five number 10s in his World Cup squad. “I don’t see how this will help us,” he said. “Anyone missing out will not be because they don’t deserve it individually, but because we will always do what’s best for winning.”

Tuchel’s approach is clear: balance and clarity. He added, “We will always do what’s best for balance and clarity, even if it means we have to take tough decisions.”

Foden’s New Role: A Hybrid Forward

One of the biggest shifts in England’s tactical approach under Tuchel has been the reimagining of Phil Foden’s role. No longer just a winger, Foden has been repositioned as a “hybrid” forward, combining elements of both a number 9 and a number 10. Tuchel sees this as a promising development, noting that this new role could allow Foden to contribute more centrally, depending on the flow of the game.

This flexibility could also open the door for Foden to play a more central role in the midfield — something Tuchel might experiment with in the months leading up to the World Cup.

A Tough Road Ahead for England

With England’s spot in the 2026 World Cup already secured, Tuchel’s focus is on fine-tuning the squad for the upcoming tournament. England’s qualifiers against Serbia (at Wembley) and Albania will give Tuchel the chance to evaluate his players’ performances and make the difficult decisions that will shape the team’s future.

As Tuchel continues to test different combinations and strategies, the question of who plays behind Kane will be one of the most closely watched. With players like Bellingham and Foden competing for the same role, England’s attacking setup remains in a state of flux, but also full of exciting potential.