adminEngland manager Thomas Tuchel has made another important selection decision ahead of the Three Lions’ UEFA Nations League meeting with Croatia, with the German coach continuing to assess his options as his side prepares for another demanding international fixture.
England travel to Rijeka for their Group A3 encounter against Croatia on Saturday, October 3, with Tuchel expected to make several important calls regarding his starting XI.
The Three Lions head into the match after a 2-0 victory over Czechia in Prague, a result that followed their opening defeat to Spain at Wembley. England currently have three points from their first two matches in the group.
Tuchel Makes Goalkeeper Decision
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the England team has been the goalkeeping position.
Jordan Pickford, who has been England’s established first-choice goalkeeper for several years, was left out of the starting lineup for the matches against Spain and Czechia as Tuchel gave James Trafford an opportunity to impress.
Tuchel explained that Pickford had done nothing wrong, with the decision forming part of his desire to assess the competition for the position.
Pickford has subsequently been discussed as a possible starter against Croatia as Tuchel continues to manage competition between his goalkeepers.
Alexander-Arnold In Contention Again
Another position attracting attention is right-back.
England have had several players competing for the role, with injuries affecting some of Tuchel’s previous options. Djed Spence, Reece James and Tino Livramento have all been unavailable during the current period, leaving Tuchel with further decisions to make.
Trent Alexander-Arnold started against Czechia and provided an assist in England’s 2-0 victory. Jarell Quansah is another option, while Trevoh Chalobah and Ezri Konsa can also provide defensive cover.
Tuchel has highlighted the importance of the relationship between the right-back and Bukayo Saka when deciding who should occupy the position.
The England boss believes Alexander-Arnold and Quansah are both capable of performing the role, meaning another tactical decision could be made before kick-off.
Nico O’Reilly Leaves England Camp
England have also suffered another squad setback after Nico O’Reilly returned to Manchester City for further assessment.
The young defender missed the victory over Czechia and has now been withdrawn from the squad. England confirmed that no replacement would be called up for the remainder of the international window.
O’Reilly’s departure leaves Tuchel with fewer options as England prepare for the Croatia clash.
Several other players are also unavailable during the current international window, including Tino Livramento, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice, who all withdrew because of injury issues.
Tuchel Warns England Against Complacency
Despite England’s positive mood following the victory in Prague, Tuchel has warned his players that the Croatia fixture will be a completely different challenge.
The England manager said his team must not become distracted by the surroundings in Rijeka and insisted that the players cannot approach the game as though they are on holiday.
Tuchel described Croatia as a major football nation with experienced players, emerging talent and a new manager in Slaven Bilic.
He expects the hosts to be highly motivated as they attempt to impress their new coach.
Croatia Match To Be Played Behind Closed Doors
The fixture will also have an unusual atmosphere because Croatia are serving a UEFA spectator sanction.
The match is being played behind closed doors following disciplinary action related to crowd behaviour, although a limited number of supporters and local children have been permitted to attend.
Tuchel acknowledged that the lack of a traditional stadium atmosphere will be something England must adapt to.
England’s official match centre lists the game for 5pm BST on Saturday, October 3, at Stadion HNK Rijeka.
With qualification positions still developing in Group A3, Tuchel knows that another positive result could be significant for England’s campaign.
The manager’s latest selection decisions have therefore added another layer of intrigue ahead of kick-off, with supporters waiting to see whether Pickford returns in goal, whether Alexander-Arnold keeps his place at right-back and how Tuchel reshapes his team for the Croatian challenge.
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