A TUCH OF CLASS

England boss has big competition in his squad as places in World Cup starting side are still up for grabs

- 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 a starting XI. The England boss arguably has just five nailed-on starters for next year's 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 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 boss Gareth Southgate, it was fairly easy to second guess his first choice lineup. The keeper was settled, back four picked itself and Southgate had his favourites in midfield and attack.