England manager Thomas Tuchel has stated he is prepared to make adjustments to his squad for Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia. Despite England’s solid 2-0 victory over Albania in their opening match, Tuchel is considering fresh legs for the upcoming fixture.
“No one will be left out because of their performance, but if we have fit and ready players, we are not hesitant to make changes,” Tuchel explained. He also acknowledged the importance of managing the squad’s physical condition, especially with reports of fatigue emerging from the medical team.
Gordon Sidelined with Hip Injury
Anthony Gordon will miss the qualifier against Latvia after sustaining a hip injury in the closing stages of the match against Albania. The Newcastle forward underwent a scan on Saturday and has returned to his club for further evaluation.
Tuchel initially voiced concern about the injury, calling it “a bit worrying,” but later reassured that the issue was mainly due to pain and bruising. “It’s unfortunate because there was a strong possibility that Gordon would have started against Latvia,” the manager said.
Opportunities for Other Players
With Gordon unavailable, the door may open for Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, Morgan Rogers, or Dominic Solanke to feature in the starting eleven. Tuchel hinted at the likelihood of a mixed line-up, considering both the need for rest and the opportunity to give other players a chance.
Friday’s match saw Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn make their international debuts, while Ezri Konsa earned his 10th cap and Curtis Jones appeared for the third time. Despite the positive result, Tuchel emphasized the need for improvement. “We have areas to address, and it’s about finding the right balance between continuity and necessary adjustments,” he added.
As England prepares for their next challenge, the manager remains focused on ensuring his squad is both physically and mentally ready to perform at their best.
