All the evidence suggests that Thomas Tuchel is likely to choose a fourth when he takes on his first game as England’s leading coach against Albania in Wembley.
This will come as a surprise for many fans of England – and many Chelsea Fans – because his preference during his time in Stamford Bridge was very significantly for a system that includes three central protectors and two wings. Tuchel chose that system for 87 percent of his matches in Chelsea.
However, if you look at all of his 426 league player career Mainz, Borussia Small, Paris St-Germain, Chelsea AND Bayern MunichYou can see that he has chosen a flat behind four for 75 percent of matches in total. His preference is clear.
And if you look at the composition of this team of England – and, indeed, the resources available to the tuchel in general, when all players are capable and available – then there is a strong occasion to suggest one back will best suit England’s strengths.
Why better a four suits in England better
Let’s train in it in a little more details. To play with a three or five back back, you first need three world -class defenders. And more in reserve to cover shortages and weak shape.
If we are brutally sincere, it is a position with which England has struggled to find stamina for many years. there are Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill AND Ezri Consa In this camp, along with And burn for the first time. And there is the damaged his chest Stone AND Harry Maguire who we hope will be available in the future.
For balance in three back, you need a left footer – only Colwill and Burn fit them to those criteria.
Most importantly, you need a number of wings specialized on both sides if you will effectively play 3-4-2-1 or 3-5-1-1. And again, the full defender is not a position in which Gareth Southgate was blessed for most of the second half of his term.
Even now, despite the return Reece JamesTuchel is without archetypal wings attacking wings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Stalwart of Southgate wave Shaw. In fact, the only ‘known’ left in this current team of England is the 18-year-old intact Myles Lewis-Skellywho has danced two age groups to be here.
Simply – does tuchel have enough specialized protective and wing protector available to be able to play with a back, even if he wanted?
Moreover, it is impossible to create a formation that has wing returns AND Wingers – if you do not sacrifice a number 10 on the side.
That would be bonkers when you have such world -class talent as Jude Bellingham, COLE Palator AND Phil’s leg At your disposal (though now, one is damaged – Palmer – and one not in its best form – Foden).
And so, if Tuchel would choose to go with the wings, he would fall one of the two positions in which I would argue that England is among the most powerful in the world.
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Jordan Pickford says England should take the next step under the new manager Thomas Tuchel as he looks to go to the level of lids with childhood hero Joe Hart in this camp
In terms of extensive offensive talent, think Bukayo from (when appropriate), Marcus RashfordFoot, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Master Noni (when appropriate).
There are few nations that can hold a candle in that kind of offensive talent. And so, if Tuchel chooses for the wings, he will have to have a whole host of England’s most talented backpack by warming the bench.
Three protectors from the center is, I am sure, an option that tuchel will consider when specific situations arise – against the specific strong opposition that can play with two attackers; If England has specific damage problems; Maybe in the match, if he wants to change things, for example.
But the smart money would be in Tuchel choosing a fourth flat for much of his reign as the head of English football – he represents both the philosophical and pragmatic ideal.
