Who is benefiting under Tuchel?published at 14:53 BST
14:53 BST
Paul Birch
BBC Sport journalist
Seven games into Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England boss – and
with only five matches left until he names his World Cup squad – it is becoming
clear which players are moving into pole position for a place in next year’s tournament
and those who are struggling.
The caveats of course are that fitness, squad rotational and
tactical decisions have all played a huge part in how much action certain
players have seen as the German finds his feet in the role.
But the likes of Aston Villa duo Ezri Konza, who has played
74 percent of the possible minutes since his appointment, and Morgan Rogers (64
percent) have taken full advantage. They have earned the trust of Tuchel with a
string of impressive performances that may just see them oust more familiar
names come kick-off time next summer.
Other players to earn plenty of game time under Tuchel is
the previously uncapped Myles Lewis-Skelly (56 percent), Noni Madueke (44
percent) and Dan Burn (42 percent).
However, Phil Foden, who was a near ever present when fit
under previous boss Gareth Southgate, has played just 15 percent of potential minutes
available under the Three Lions’ new boss, while Trent Alexander-Arnold (four
percent) has a real battle on his hands to make the squad, let alone start.
Kyle Walker won 93 caps under Southgate but has featured in only three matches under
Tuchel, while Conor Gallagher’s game time stands at just 59 minutes so far. The
likes of Jack Grealish and Adam Wharton are yet to feature at all.
Image source, BBC Sport