Thomas Tuchel and Trent Alexander-Arnold (Photo by Eric Alonso – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images, Europa Press via Getty Images)
In his exclusive column for CaughtOffside, former England striker Stan Collymore discusses some of football’s biggest talking points, including Thomas Tuchel’s first matches as England manager, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s unveiling at Real Madrid, the Club World Cup, Thomas Frank’s appointment at Tottenham manager, and more.
—
Thomas Tuchel needs to stick to the basics with England
England manager Thomas Tuchel (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
I can see three central defenders being at the forefront of Thomas Tuchel’s thinking. What he have is a world class striker, as well as lots of good wingers and attacking midfielders. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham will probably be the future of England in terms of central midfield, and we have some good full-backs when they are fit.
England basically played a 4-4-2 against Senegal, and although we lost, I was happy to see that used. Personally, I want to see Tuchel play players in their best positions, and that back of basics setup is what should have going forward. He needs to move forward on that basis.
I think Tuchel will have a good idea of his ideal starting line-up for the 2026 World Cup, but I think he should look to add younger players into the squad in the build-up to that tournament. They will be more open to being on the bench because there is less of an ego there, and that youthful exuberance will also be valuable.
Guys Like Tino Livramento, Elliot Anderson, James McAtee, Harvey Elliot can all be of value to Tuchel, and I hope that he looks at them when the international matches take place in the Autumn.
Liverpool fans need to move on from Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold speaking at his Real Madrid unveiling (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Liverpool and their fans need to move on quickly from this Trent Alexander-Arnold situation – and I think that most have already done so. Liverpool are not a club to cry over spilled milk, so it is simply a case of forgetting and looking ahead.
The move to Real Madrid is an excellent one for Trent, given that they are…
..
