England’s World Cup squad talking points: from Toney’s return to clarity for Bellingham

1 Pick the best team, not the best players Thomas Tuchel said that whittling down his 55-player longlist gave him “a certain edge”. There were some tough phone calls and some decisions inevitably caused outrage. But there was a pointed remark from Tuchel about how creating a winning team is not necessarily “to select the most talented 26 players”. The aim since September has been to build a brotherhood; Tuchel knows maintaining harmony within the camp will be crucial given that England hope to be together for seven weeks. “We have 26 players who know their role, who are committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish,” the German said. Was there a message to Harry Maguire after the defender aired his grievances at being overlooked? “I think it was not necessary,” Tuchel said of Maguire’s decision to go public. 2 How to keep Bellingham happy? Give him clarity Few things will be more important than keeping Jude Bellingham happy. England are not going to win if Tuchel’s relationship with the Real Madrid star becomes strained. What may help, though, is streamlining the debate around the No 10s. No room, then, for Cole Palmer, Phil Foden or Morgan Gibbs-White. Tuchel feels taking more than three creators would have meant playing one out of position. “I refuse to bring players for the name,” he said. Tuchel did not want unnecessary noise. Palmer or Bellingham? Bellingham or Foden? Who to start? Who’s your favourite? Tuchel has taken that out of the equation. …