Jordan Henderson, the three-man defense, and the puzzle of Harry Kane: How will Tuchel’s England shape up for the World Cup qualifiers?

**Tuchel’s England Squad: A Blend of Familiarity and Tactical Intrigue**

Thomas Tuchel’s inaugural squad selection as England manager has certainly raised a few eyebrows, with some unexpected inclusions. However, it largely reflects the continuity established under Gareth Southgate. This blend of the old and the new is not necessarily a cause for concern; after all, Tuchel has over a year to experiment before the 2026 World Cup, and his tactical approach is likely to differ from that of his predecessor.

One of the defining features of Tuchel’s managerial career has been his tactical flexibility. He has consistently demonstrated a willingness to adapt his strategies to suit the players at his disposal, rather than enforcing a rigid system. As we look ahead to his first few matches in charge, it will be fascinating to see how he assesses and utilises the talent available to him.

**The Henderson Dilemma**

Let’s address the most contentious selection: Jordan Henderson’s inclusion in the midfield. Many fans were taken aback by his call-up, especially with younger talents like Morgan Gibbs-White and Conor Gallagher missing out. Tuchel offered some insight into his decision, praising Henderson’s character and leadership qualities, which he believes are vital for building a cohesive team.

“Jordan is a serial winner,” Tuchel stated. “He is captain of Ajax, has played a lot of matches, and brings leadership, character, and energy to the squad. He embodies everything we want from this team.”

The question remains: can Henderson, who will turn 36 just after the World Cup begins, still fulfil a pivotal role at the highest level? Will Tuchel opt for a midfield trio, or is Henderson merely there to provide experience alongside the likes of Harry Kane? How Tuchel deploys him in the upcoming fixtures will be telling.

**Back Three or Back Four? The Tactical Conundrum**

Modern managers often downplay the importance of formations, suggesting that it’s a concern primarily for fans and pundits. However, the selection of central defenders remains a crucial aspect of any tactical setup. Tuchel has a penchant for back threes, and the inclusion of Dan Burn could signal a return to this formation.

While Burn is a solid defender, his lack of mobility could be a concern unless he is adequately supported by full-backs. Given the current injury situation, Tuchel may feel more comfortable fielding Burn in a back three, allowing him to dominate physically without being exposed to quick forwards. The squad also boasts several players capable of filling the right-sided centre-back role, including Reece James, Kyle Walker, and Tino Livramento.

Keep an eye on James and potential debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly. Many believe James could transition into a midfield role, while Lewis-Skelly, primarily a midfielder, has been filling in at left-back. If England opts for a back four, expect one or both full-backs to invert, while a back three could see wing-backs pushing further up the pitch than under Southgate.

Tuchel remained coy about his tactical plans for the March qualifiers, stating, “I don’t want to give it away, whether we play with a back four or a back five.”

**Maximising Kane’s Potential**

Harry Kane’s form has been a topic of discussion since a challenging Euro 2020 campaign. However, he has silenced critics with a stellar season at Bayern Munich, where he has thrived under Vincent Kompany’s aggressive style. Tuchel, who previously advocated for Kane’s signing at Bayern, now faces the challenge of getting the best out of the England captain.

The key to unlocking Kane’s potential lies in surrounding him with creative, goal-scoring players. Whether it’s Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, or Marcus Rashford, the question remains: will Tuchel employ a back-three system that sacrifices wingers for a two-striker setup, or will he favour a more traditional 4-2-3-1 formation?

With a wealth of attacking talent at his disposal, Tuchel must find a way to make Kane the focal point of his strategy, ensuring that the England captain can continue to shine on the international stage.

**Attacking as the Best Form of Defence**

In his initial remarks about the squad, Tuchel emphasised the need for careful preparation and a desire to be proactive in matches. “We want to be a tough group, we want to be on the front foot, we want to be in charge of these games,” he asserted.

While such sentiments are familiar from previous England managers, Tuchel’s foreign perspective may allow him to approach the role with a refreshing aggressiveness. If he can unlock the attacking potential within the squad, it could alleviate some of the defensive pressures that have plagued England in recent tournaments.

Historically, England’s cautious approach has left them vulnerable to counter-attacks. By adopting a more expansive style under Tuchel, the team may not only entertain fans but also bolster their defensive solidity in the process. As the new era begins, all eyes will be on how Tuchel shapes this England side.