Tuchel Insists Kane, Bellingham and Foden Cannot All Start for England

England manager Thomas Tuchel stated that Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden cannot fit into the same starting lineup without compromising team balance. He emphasized prioritizing structure over star names and hinted that not all No 10s, including Foden, Palmer, and Rogers, would make England’s World Cup 2026 squad.

Doing the rounds ahead of England’s World Cup qualifiers, Thomas Tuchel made headlines by admitting that Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden cannot all play together in his current system. The England boss told TalkSport that maintaining team balance is his priority and he would not alter his structure just to accommodate star players. 

Tuchel emphasized his setup features a No 6, No 8, No 10, and No 9, leaving limited room for multiple playmakers. He also revealed he will not take five No 10s to the World Cup, hinting that one or more of Bellingham, Foden, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, or Eberechi Eze might miss out. Tuchel praised Foden’s versatility, suggesting he could play as a No 8 or No 9, but insisted selections will depend on team clarity and balance. 

He further noted that Bellingham and Foden, returning after absences, must compete for spots in a squad that has won four games in a row by a 15-0 aggregate. On the injury front, Marc Guehi may feature against Albania despite a recent foot issue, while midfielder Elliot Anderson remains a key part of Tuchel’s plans after impressing in the Premier League.