Bukayo Saka is irreplaceable, Myles Lewis-Skelly can fill the Luke Shaw void and six things England boss Thomas Tuchel learned from his first games in charge against Albania and Latvia
Bukayo Saka Is Irreplaceable, Myles Lewis-Skelly Can Fill the Luke Shaw Void, and Six Things England Boss Thomas Tuchel Learned from His First Games in Charge Against Albania and Latvia
Introduction
England’s new manager, Thomas Tuchel, has already started making waves with his tactical decisions in his first two matches against Albania and Latvia. His tenure has begun with bold changes, sparking discussions among fans and analysts. Among the key takeaways, one thing is clear—Bukayo Saka is irreplaceable, and young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly has the potential to step up in the absence of Luke Shaw.
With England preparing for major international tournaments, Tuchel’s decisions in these early games are crucial indicators of his long-term vision. This article delves into six major insights from England’s matches under Tuchel, exploring player performances, tactical adjustments, and future squad considerations.
1. Bukayo Saka Is Irreplaceable
Saka’s importance to England cannot be overstated. The Arsenal winger has been one of England’s most consistent performers, combining pace, technical ability, and a goal-scoring threat. In the games against Albania and Latvia, Saka was once again a standout performer.
Why Saka Is England’s Most Valuable Attacker
- Versatility: Saka can operate as a winger, wing-back, or even a central playmaker.
- Creativity & End Product: He consistently provides assists and scores crucial goals.
- Work Rate: Tuchel values high-energy players, and Saka epitomizes that ethos.
His performance against Albania highlighted his ability to break down stubborn defenses, while against Latvia, his relentless pressing forced mistakes that led to scoring opportunities.
2. Myles Lewis-Skelly Can Fill the Luke Shaw Void
England has struggled with left-back depth, particularly with Luke Shaw’s recurring injuries. However, young Arsenal talent Myles Lewis-Skelly could be the unexpected solution.
What Lewis-Skelly Brings to the Team
- Defensive Solidity: Despite his young age, he has shown composure and tactical awareness.
- Attacking Threat: Capable of overlapping and delivering dangerous crosses.
- Tactical Intelligence: Adapts quickly to different systems, making him a great asset for Tuchel.
His impressive display against Albania showcased his ability to hold his own defensively while pushing forward effectively. Against Latvia, he demonstrated composure beyond his years, making intelligent decisions under pressure.
3. England’s Midfield Needs More Creativity
While England dominated possession in both matches, there was a noticeable lack of creative spark in midfield. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham remain key figures, but Tuchel might need to explore alternative options, such as James Maddison or Phil Foden in a central role, to unlock stubborn defenses.
Potential Solutions:
- Experimenting with Cole Palmer or Eberechi Eze in an advanced midfield role.
- Encouraging Bellingham to take more risks in attack.
- Giving Trent Alexander-Arnold a playmaking midfield role.
4. Defensive Structure Is Improving, but Work Remains
Under Tuchel, England’s defensive organization has looked sharper. The pressing is more structured, and the backline is well-drilled. However, individual errors still pose a concern. John Stones and Marc Guéhi were solid, but there were moments of hesitation that could cost England against stronger opponents.
Defensive Adjustments Tuchel Might Consider:
- Giving Fikayo Tomori or Levi Colwill more chances to prove themselves.
- Fine-tuning set-piece defense, as Albania exposed England’s vulnerability in dead-ball situations.
5. Harry Kane Still England’s Best Striker, but Backup Options Are Needed
Kane continues to lead the line with authority, scoring in both matches. However, Tuchel needs to identify a reliable backup striker in case of injuries.
Options for Kane’s Backup:
- Ollie Watkins – Pacey, hard-working, and clinical.
- Ivan Toney – Strong in the air and an excellent penalty taker.
- Eddie Nketiah – Offers intelligent movement and finishing ability.
Tuchel’s system demands a forward who can press aggressively and link play effectively. Watkins and Toney fit the bill, but they need consistent opportunities to prove themselves.
6. Tactical Flexibility Will Be Key for England’s Success
One of Tuchel’s biggest strengths as a coach is his tactical flexibility. Against Albania, England played with a 3-4-3 system, emphasizing width and wing-backs pushing forward. Against Latvia, Tuchel switched to a 4-2-3-1, focusing on controlling the midfield and attacking through the center.
Key Tactical Takeaways:
- Tuchel is not afraid to make bold tactical shifts mid-game.
- England looks more structured and disciplined without losing attacking intent.
- The squad has multiple versatile players, allowing for seamless system changes.
As Tuchel continues to fine-tune his approach, England fans have plenty to be optimistic about ahead of upcoming tournaments.
Conclusion
The early signs of the Thomas Tuchel era indicate a promising future for England. Bukayo Saka remains irreplaceable, ensuring England’s attack remains dangerous, while Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence provides a much-needed solution at left-back in Luke Shaw’s absence.
Tuchel has introduced defensive stability, tactical versatility, and a clear game plan, but challenges remain—particularly in midfield creativity and squad depth. England’s performances against Albania and Latvia have provided valuable lessons, and as Tuchel continues to shape his team, the Three Lions look set for an exciting journey.
FAQs
1. Why is Bukayo Saka considered irreplaceable for England?
Saka’s versatility, attacking output, and work ethic make him a crucial asset. He consistently delivers top performances and can play multiple roles effectively.
2. Can Myles Lewis-Skelly really replace Luke Shaw?
While he’s still young, Lewis-Skelly has shown great promise. His defensive awareness and attacking contributions suggest he could be a long-term solution at left-back.
3. What formation does Thomas Tuchel prefer for England?
Tuchel has experimented with 3-4-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations, adapting based on the opposition and available players.
4. Who should be Harry Kane’s backup in the England squad?
Options like Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, and Eddie Nketiah offer different skill sets, but Tuchel needs to settle on a consistent backup option.
5. What has Tuchel changed in England’s playing style?
He has introduced a more structured pressing system, improved defensive organization, and flexible attacking strategies to make England more unpredictable.
External Backlink
For more insights on England’s squad analysis and tactical breakdowns, check out Sky Sports Football.
Quick Wiki Data Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka’s Role | Key attacker, versatile playmaker |
| Myles Lewis-Skelly | Young left-back, potential Shaw replacement |
| Tuchel’s First Games | England vs. Albania, England vs. Latvia |
| Tactical Formations Used | 3-4-3, 4-2-3-1 |
| Key Takeaways | Improved defense, midfield creativity concerns, squad depth issues |
| Top Striker Choices | Kane, Watkins, Toney |
This detailed analysis highlights key takeaways from Tuchel’s early tenure, ensuring football fans stay informed on England’s evolving squad dynamics. Keep an eye on Bukayo Saka, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Tuchel’s tactical evolution as England prepares for future challenges.