The England Nations League Campaign is off and underway. After a disappointing World Cup where England crashed out in the semi-finals, the tournament offers an opportunity to make amends for previous mistakes and perform better.
In their first two games of the UEFA Nations League, the Three Lions fell to a gritty defeat against World Champions Spain in the first while beating a 10-man Czechia in their second game. How did Thomas Tuchel set his team up? How did they perform? And more importantly, what options does he have for the remaining games?
Tuchel for School? How Tuchel’s Bold Choices Became England’s Undoing
Before we dive into the England Nations League campaign, it is important that we analyse the team’s shortcomings during the World Cup.
The biggest tournament had a different feel to itself this time. The reason? An improvement in coaching standards. Not only did talented coaches like Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti become national team coaches, but better organisation and tactical setups helped minnows like Cabo Verde and DR Congo put up impressive performances and go farther into the competition than initially expected
Tuchel, on his part, left his stamp on the competition before it even began. He left out a host of stars like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold back home, picking an England World Cup squad that stood out for all the wrong reasons. His rationale was simple but disconcerting – he wanted to create a specialised squad for knockout football. With strong runners in Gordon and Madueke, goal-scorers in Kane and Bellingham and a strong defensive midfield to sit in front of the back four, his team would absorb pressure and hit back on the counter.
However, without players to unlock defences, his team struggled against Ghana in the group stage and trailed against DR Congo before Harry Kane struck a brace. However, the fairytale would not come true; against Argentina, England came up short as they ceded all control and possession after gaining a 1-0 lead, ultimately costing them dear.
With the Nations League underway, it will be interesting to see how Tuchel’s men respond. A more rounded England Nations League squad can give him more options on the pitch.
How will England set up in this competition? And what have the first two games taught us?
What Did We Learn from England’s Opening Games in the UEFA Nations League
The England Nations League campaign has begun well, with the coach experimenting with his squad as the tournament progresses.
In the first game against Spain, Tuchel set up with a back four from the World Cup, with Jarell Quansah filling in at RB alongside Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Nico O’Reilly. In front of them played Anderson and Myles Lewis-Skelly, with Bellingham operating in the no. 10 position, flanked by Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka on either side, with Kane up top.
Despite competing with a team that has a technical floor, England made a good showing of themselves, going toe-to-toe against Luis De La Fuente’s well-drilled side.
The team went into the half-time with the lead, but ultimately, Spain showed their quality and came back to win the game 3-2.
Against Czechia, England benefitted from an early red card handed to Pavel Šulc for a dangerous tackle on Manchester City’s big-money summer recruit Elliot Anderson. It earned England their first points in the competition, with strikes by Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane making sure the Three Lions came home with three points.
Tuchel’s experiment bore fruit in these games. In midfield, he used Myles Lewis-Skelly to improve central progression, in the same way Mikel Arteta did. Against Czechia, he played Rogers left of midfield, while giving game time to Trent and Lewis Hall in the fullback position.
With two more games to come in this international break, how can Tuchel get more out of the England Nations League squad? Which formations and setups can he use in the course of the England Nations League campaign?
England Nations League Campaign: Lineups, Tactics and More
Despite falling to a defeat against Spain early on, Tuchel will not be discouraged. Instead, with games against seemingly inferior opposition coming up, he will experiment with the England Nations League squad.
What will his midfield look like? Can he set his team up in a different formation? Let’s find out..
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One of the most interesting decisions will be his midfield pair/ triad. Tuchel prefers a midfield pivot, more often than not setting his team up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
However, limited choices might force him to change his approach, with both Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo unavailable for selection.
With only James Garner and Anderson being traditional CMs in the squad, he might start with them or bring others into the lineup. The following midfield pairings can open up some doors for the England coach:
Anderson and Eze
This is a couple of technically proficient midfielders with a lot of legs about them. Although Eze might be defensively suspect here, they could play together in a 3-4-3 in the middle, with plenty of defensive cover behind them.
Garner, Scott and Eze
This would be my personal favourite choice. It has technical security, industriousness and flair, and could accidentally give him a solid option for the future.
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Will Tuchel Try a Back-three?
Tuchel has played with three defenders at the club level. At Chelsea, it was his favoured setup, with Mason Mount and Kai Havertz operating as the two attacking midfielders behind Lukaku/ Werner in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Since Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer play as attacking midfielders in the same system currently, it gives Tuchel another option while setting up his England XI.
All in all, the talented German coach has many options at his disposal. It will be interesting to see how he can maximise this England Nations League squad in the days to come.
Extra Time Notes
The England Nations League campaign is off and underway. With a gritty loss against Spain and a comfortable victory against 10-man Czechia, Tuchel has made a decisive start to the competition.
Putting behind him memories of a tragic semi-final loss at the World Cup, he picked an England Nations League squad that re-integrated the likes of Trent and Morgan Gibbs-White back into the Three Lions’ fold. Moreover, his World Cup experiments must’ve proved instructional; others like Lewis Hall and James Garner will also feature in the Nations League this year.
Tuchel’s tactical prowess cannot be doubted. However, he is not a yes-man by any means, having fallen out with the management during multiple jobs. This phase will be crucial for his time with the Three Lions.
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