TUCHEL'S GOT TALENT

...but who will stand out to make starting XI in USA is still wide open

- BY JOHN CROSS

THOMAS TUCHEL can clinch World Cup qualification tomorrow night.

Having conquered that hurdle, he will then face a much greater challenge - fitting so much talent into his starting XI.

The England boss arguably has just five nailed-on starters for next year's summer tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Jordan Pickford, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane pretty much know that if they are fit, then they will be the first names on the team sheet.

But Tuchel now has fierce competition, not just for places in the squad but also in the starting XI, and there can be no doubt that - just eight months before the tournament - it is unusual to have so many slots up for grabs.

Under former England boss Gareth Southgate, it was fairly easy to second guess his first choice lineup, if all were fit and available. The keeper was settled, the back four picked itself and Southgate had his favourites in midfield and attack. Tuchel has craved competition, and it feels like he is enjoying the squad fighting hard to ensure they keep their places in England's XI because that, in turn, raises standards.