England coach Tuchel embraces 'controlled chaos' with squad selection

England's national football team coach Thomas Tuchel has once again demonstrated his preference for players who fit his tactical system over sheer individual talent. His recent World Cup squad announcement confirmed this philosophy, leaving some of the Premier League's most promising players, such as Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, at home. This approach is not surprising to those familiar with Tuchel's 16-month tenure with the English team.

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His team is not made up exclusively of the best individuals, but of players who best fit the system, structure, and demands of the team.

Tuchel's focus on structure and system makes predicting England's starting lineup for their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17 in Dallas relatively straightforward. The likely formation is a 4-2-3-1, which morphs into a 3-2-5 during attacking build-up. This involves two center-backs and a fullback forming the last line, with a central midfielder and an inverted fullback in midfield. The attacking line of five spreads the opposition defense, featuring a center forward, an attacking midfielder, two wingers, and an advanced midfielder or fullback. This setup thrives on "controlled chaos" with significant player rotation.

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The most important shape of the team is the one achieved in possession during the organization and creation of the attack, which is 3-2-5.

Key tactical elements include asymmetrical wingers: Bukayo Saka cuts inside from the right to his left foot, while Anthony Gordon on the left attacks space directly. Tuchel's fullbacks, Reece James on the right and Nico O'Reilly on the left, are crucial but also present opportunities for Croatia. James, a trusted player from Tuchel's Chelsea days, often pushes into midfield, leaving space behind him on the right flank that Ivan Perišić could exploit. O'Reilly, arguably the best left-back in the Premier League this season for City, operates differently under Guardiola.

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Asymmetrical wingers are extremely important to him; while Bukayo Saka from the right wing enters the middle with the ball on his left foot and thus seeks his chance, the currently fastest English footballer Anthony Gordon plays directly on the left side, attacks space, and seeks depth.