Tuchel keeps almost every England player on trial with World Cup nine months away

Thomas Tuchel has put nearly every member of his England squad on notice, leaving few players guaranteed of a place as he evaluates a broad pool of 37 players with nine months remaining before the World Cup.

Tuchel's approach, which emphasises flexibility and continual adjustment, was underlined after England's 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Andorra on Saturday, a result that offered victory but limited evidence that a settled lineup is emerging. The manager said he does not expect to have a fixed 23- or 24-player group by the end of November — or even by March — and stressed that he wants to remain open to developments at club level through the season.

Tuchel has invited 37 players to three recent camps: 12 defenders, 12 midfielders, 10 forwards and three goalkeepers. Some called up, including John Stones and Adam Wharton, have missed action through injury. England face seven matches before the preliminary World Cup squad is announced, beginning with a qualifier in Serbia on Tuesday.

"There will be a lot of decisive matches involving English teams in club football," Tuchel said this week, adding that while he knows some players he trusts, he must remain "open to any development in any direction." Tuchel has also emphasised the importance of maximising limited time with players, working with assistant Anthony Barry to try to implement tactical messages in short camps.

Saturday's match provided mixed signals for Tuchel. England registered an expected goals (xG) figure of 2.21 at home to the team ranked 174th in the world and scored twice. Across four qualifiers, England have an xG of about 11 but have scored eight goals, a shortfall Tuchel and his staff see as a sign they must improve the quality and ruthlessness of chances created.

Harry Kane, who has six goals for Bayern Munich this season, was largely peripheral against Andorra, registering 12 touches. For context, Erling Haaland — often criticised for limited involvement beyond finishing for Manchester City — has recorded as few touches in a 90-minute match only once this season. Tuchel acknowledged England need to be more effective in creating higher-quality openings rather than only relying on finishing.

Several players are effectively auditioning for roles. Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Dominic Solanke have been monitored closely, with Watkins appearing to edge ahead despite a subdued showing at his club's ground that disappointed spectators. Midfielder Elliot Anderson emerged as a bright spot on Saturday, nicking possession to create a notable second-half chance and demonstrating the high-pressing intensity Tuchel seeks. Anderson's movement and willingness to counter-press drew praise and could bolster his case for inclusion if he reproduces that level in stronger tests.

Tuchel's experimentation extends to personnel and formation. The manager has altered how England move the ball and how coaching instructions are delivered, even adjusting the length of training camps after what he described as a disappointing June. Some selections, such as left back Myles Lewis-Skelly — currently a backup at Arsenal — underline how Tuchel is weighting potential and fit to his system over established club standing.

One of Tuchel's players, centre back Dan Burn, said the manager has "chopped and changed" selections and is still determining what he wants from his players. That uncertainty is deliberate, Tuchel argues, part of a process designed to give a wide group a fair opportunity to stake a claim during an 18-month period that began with his appointment.

The approach carries trade-offs. Ruling no-one safe shortens the time Tuchel can work with a settled core and risks inconsistent performances in the near term. But the manager has defended his stance as pragmatic, given injuries, form swings and the possibility that club seasons will produce new contenders.

England's next fixtures, and the run of club football that follows, will be closely watched as Tuchel trims his long list. With less than a year until the tournament in the United States, the squad that travels next summer could look markedly different from the groups selected so far as Tuchel seeks the combination he believes is best suited for the World Cup.