England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Phil Foden could be Harry Kane’s main back-up at the World Cup, subject to four conditions.
The Three Lions defeated Serbia 2-0 on Thursday night with goals from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze to win their penultimate World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
Although England were far from their brilliant best against Serbia, they performed well enough against an inferior opponent and won without conceding a goal.
Manager Thomas Tuchel experimented with his players by using Foden as a false nine in the final 25 minutes, and it worked, with the Man City star providing the assist for Eze’s sensational second goal.
England lack a suitable back-up for Kane, so Foden or another left-wing option could be used in place of Ollie Watkins or Danny Welbeck.
After the game against Serbia, Tuchel said he had opened the door for Foden to be used as a striker at the World Cup on four conditions.
Speaking after the game, Tuchel said: “If Phil can keep up this form and form, he’s definitely got a chance. I have some other options in mind that I don’t want to talk about in public. Don’t forget we have some number nines besides Ollie Watkins and Harry.”
Read: England 2-0 Serbia player ratings: Bellingham, Foden, Eze claim stakes from bench
“At the end of the day it will depend on who is fit, who is in the team, the opponent and what we want from the game.”
Commenting on the performances of Kane and Foden, he added: “It was a good game (for Foden). Harry dropped a little deeper today than usual because they wanted to shut out our three midfielders. The chances and the acceleration of play came from Harry’s long passes.”
“With Phil, you can tell he’s confident. From the first moment we met in camp. His first touch and movement are right. He can play with anyone in this position. He’s full of confidence.”
“I like to have him in the middle of the pitch and surround him in close contact with the other players. He did well.”
More UK coverage on F365…
👉 Rashford misses chance, Foden eases England’s Kane problem, answers Bellingham’s doubts
👉 Tuchel gives Arsenal star ‘brutal ultimatum’ as ‘next Bukayo Saka’ sparks transfer battle
👉 England: Tuchel names PL star player ‘very close’ to call-up. Bellingham reveals ‘unplayable’ opponents
Tuchel also reserved praise for Man City star Nico O’Reilly, who started at left-back and impressed.
“We have built a core of leaders in the team who will drive standards and create a welcoming atmosphere in camp for new players to become the best versions of themselves,” Tuchel claimed.
“Nico made a great debut. He seems very shy, but on the pitch he is very intelligent and adapted very well to all the new things we asked of him.”
“That is only possible if there is a good feeling within the group, and this is a credit to everyone.”
