Winners and losers from England's international break as Tuchel steadies squad

England secured six points from two World Cup qualifiers under manager Thomas Tuchel but delivered contrasting displays, with a subdued 2-0 win over Andorra at Villa Park followed by a 5-0 romp against Serbia in Belgrade that answered some questions and raised others about the squad going into next summer.

The standout performers in the international window included an emerging holding midfielder whose display suggested a potential long-term role, and a backroom coach whose set-piece work yielded tangible rewards. Several established stars, meanwhile, left the break with their places unclear.

Elliot Anderson emerged as one of the main winners from the trip to Serbia. The Nottingham Forest midfielder controlled the tempo in Belgrade, winning more duels than any team-mate and completing more passes into the final third than anyone else as England dominated. Tuchel pointed to Anderson's progression through the youth ranks and singled him out as a candidate for the No. 6 position, saying, "When I saw him in the Under 21s final, I knew he could be a No 6 for us. Now it’s on him to keep it going, to keep the freedom with him that he needs for his game." Anderson’s performances allowed Declan Rice greater freedom higher up the pitch.

Assistant coach Anthony Barry also left the break with an enhanced reputation after England converted set-piece opportunities in Belgrade. Of England’s four non-penalty goals in Serbia, three originated from dead-ball situations. A corner produced Harry Kane’s header, a second-phase free kick set up Ezri Konsa’s goal, and a later Rice delivery allowed Marc Guehi to score. Tuchel has highlighted set pieces as an area of focus ahead of the World Cup, and Barry’s routines delivered the intended effect.

Noni Madueke, a winger who progressed through the England age groups and impressed with the under-21s, scored his first senior goal and added to his collection of assists. Tuchel praised Madueke’s attitude and work-rate, noting his willingness to help defensively and his directness in attack: "Noni needs to stay focussed and I’m most happy about his attitude, the reaction after ball losses, the work that he put in to help Reece James. The work-rate is what I like the most in his performance and from there he’s fast, he’s direct, he likes to dribble. That’s what we want from him."

Not every player enjoyed a positive window. Trent Alexander-Arnold was omitted from Tuchel’s squad and was reportedly told personally by the manager that he had not made the cut. Reece James remains first choice at right back, with Tino Livramento used as an understudy who can also operate at left back. Tuchel has indicated he wants Alexander-Arnold to settle at club level before pushing for a recall, and Ben White is another defensive option who could return to contention.

Eberechi Eze’s international fortunes were mixed amid a busy transfer period that saw him move to Arsenal late in the window. Eze had limited game time coming into the Andorra match and featured inconsistently in the 2-0 win at Villa Park; Tuchel expressed disappointment in aspects of Eze’s decision-making and urged quicker play in the final third. England will hope regular minutes at Arsenal restore his form.

Marcus Rashford also had a challenging break. Tuchel has described Rashford as a winger rather than a striker, a designation that puts him in direct competition with several attacking options. Rashford produced only moments of promise against Andorra and came off the bench to convert a penalty in Belgrade, but the depth of attacking talent—Anthony Gordon’s strong showing on the left, plus players such as Madueke, Eze, Morgan Rogers, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden—means Rashford faces a demanding fight to secure a starting role.

Tuchel has made several changes since taking the England job from interim boss Lee Carsley, and the international window underlined both the manager’s willingness to experiment and the unresolved selection questions ahead of the World Cup. The team’s defensive solidity in both matches provided a foundation, while the emphatic win in Serbia showcased attacking combinations Tuchel will seek to replicate. How the emerging names and established internationals fit into a final tournament squad will depend on form and minutes at club level in the months ahead.