Thomas Tuchel in a polo shirt on sideline smiling and looking to the right
England manager Thomas TuchelImago

Arsenal man among three England players who should be axed vs Czechia after training ground latest

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on: 

Thomas Tuchel simply must make changes to the England lineup following the 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley Stadium.

The Three Lions had the chance to be sitting top of their Nations League group after facing the World Cup champions, and even were at one stage.

Goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane had overturned an early opener from Lamine Yamal, but Kane's missed penalty seemed to be a turning point in the game.

Now, with Tuchel's side next taking on Czechia on Tuesday, 29 September, several other players deserve to be given an opportunity in the lineup.

It has already been confirmed that James Trafford will keep his spot in between the sticks, and it's difficult to see Kane, Marc Guehi or Elliot Anderson losing their spots.

However, there are multiple changes that Tuchel could make, beginning with two different positions along the back four against Czechia.

Nico O'Reilly

Nico O'Reilly did not appear to be himself against Spain, committing an error that led to a goal, much like his Manchester City teammate, Guehi.

He also struggled against Yamal, picking up a yellow card in the process. With Lewis Hall available, it's a no-brainer decision for the head coach.

Tuchel has also revealed that the left-back didn't even train before the squad flew out, so there's even more reason not to risk him.

Ezri Konsa

Arsenal's Ezri Konsa is also a doubt for the game, so with so much talent on the bench, it seems foolish to risk the centre-half against Czechia.

Jarrad Branthwaite came on at the end against Spain, but with just two international caps to his name, Tuchel needs to give him a chance at some point.

Jude Bellingham

This will be an extremely controversial pick. Jude Bellingham is one of England's most consistent players, especially in the final third.

However, the Three Lions have become reliant on him to produce the goods. Morgan Gibbs-White has had a stellar 18 months and deserves a chance to prove himself on the international stage.

The Nations League should be about testing players who wouldn't otherwise get a shot in normal circumstances. The Nottingham Forest star should be in the lineup this week.

www.footballinsider247.com