What tough decisions is England boss Thomas Tuchel facing ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

Tuchel has revealed that a big-name trio of players will likely be omitted from the England squad, as they cannot all fit into his preferred playing system.

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Tuchel Warns Top Trio Can't Play Together in England's World Cup Squad

Q: Which three England stars does Tuchel say "cannot play" together?

According to Tuchel, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden cannot play together in the current England setup.

Q: What issue has Tuchel had with Jude Bellingham?

Tuchel has publicly commented on Bellingham's aggressive on-field demeanor, suggesting it can be "repulsive" and must be channeled constructively. Bellingham was controversially left out of the October squad, but recalled for the November games.

13 Nov

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Summary

Tuchel says Kane, Bellingham, and Foden "cannot play" together in current system
Bellingham's aggressive play a "repulsive" issue Tuchel wants addressed
Competition for attacking spots means World Cup lineup far from settled

Tuchel Warns Top Trio Can't Play Together in England's World Cup Squad

As of November 13th, 2025, England boss Thomas Tuchel is facing some tough decisions ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel has revealed that a big-name trio of players will likely be omitted from the squad, as they cannot all fit into his preferred playing system.

The Three Lions head coach has warned that Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden "cannot play" together, as he puts the final touches on his plans for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Tuchel possesses a wealth of attacking talent, but must find a way to effectively integrate them.

The relationship between Tuchel and midfielder Jude Bellingham has been a notable issue. Bellingham was controversially left out of the October squad, with Tuchel citing a need for rhythm and team cohesion. The manager has also publicly commented on Bellingham's aggressive on-field demeanor, suggesting it can be "repulsive" and must be channeled constructively. Bellingham was recalled for the November games, but the saga highlights the pressure on the young dynamo to adapt to Tuchel's structured approach.