Thomas Tuchel explains England team selection and why he dropped Anthony Gordon
England’s Morgan Rogers ahead of the FIFA World Cup Group L match at New York New Jersey Stadium (PA)
Thomas Tuchel has made five changes to his England side as they face Panama in their final Group L game and aim to finish as group winners.
Following the 0-0 draw to Ghana, Jarell Quansah is in for the injured Reece James, Nico O’Reilly returns to the back line over Djed Spence, Morgan Rogers replaces Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka starts his first game this World Cup instead of his Arsenal team mate Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford comes in for Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon.
Explaining his selection, Tuchel tells ITV: “I’m always excited by my team, a very offensive team. The target is to keep up the speed of the game, with devotion and commitment. We have things to improve but we’re ready for it.
On the wingers: “You focus too much on individual positions. Anthony did well, Marcus did well, Noni did well and Bukayo gets a chance now. It’s not just about Marcus or Anthony.”
On Bellingham and Rogers, he added: “I take care of Declan’s situation. He got a knock … I’d like to manage his minutes a bit and he has a yellow card. That’s why Jude goes in the No.8 position and Morgan in the No.10.”
