England have cause for concern but Thomas Tuchel’s strategy is for the very best | Jacob Steinberg

Not as easy as it looks, is it? After looking as if he had all the answers a week ago, Thomas Tuchel has tumbled into a place Gareth Southgate knew all too well. This is the moment when anxiety rises and selection decision choices are questioned. Tuchel, a newcomer to international football, will have to ignore the noise and keep in mind that this is usually how it goes when England experience their traditional tournament stumble in their second group game. The inevitable response to Tuesday’s goalless draw with Ghana will be people wondering why Tuchel left their favourite player out of his squad. Top pundits are bemoaning the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Adam Wharton and Cole Palmer. Not unfairly, there is an argument that England have too many similar types and needed a player to unlock the game at Boston Stadium. It is a familiar debate. Southgate was accused of caution when he opted against using Jack Grealish and plenty of previous England managers have been criticised for not making the most out of the country’s more instinctive talent. When we talk about Palmer or Alexander-Arnold, we could be talking about Glenn Hoddle or Joe Cole. In the case of Wharton, the frustration lies in England lacking line-breaking passes from deep midfield positions against Ghana’s low block. England had 78.8% possession, but played in straight, predictable lines. They had 19 shots, but barely threatened until late on. There is cause for concern. …