The recent international pause for England stretched longer than usual, yet it may prove to be a turning point in Thomas Tuchel’s strategic outlook. England’s four‑match Nations League campaign kicked off with a loss to Spain before rebounding with victories over the Czech Republic and a staggering 7‑0 rout of Croatia.
Amid a slew of player withdrawals and numerous squad adjustments, the question now is: which individuals are leaving the camp more confident about their standing in the England set‑up, and who finds themselves on the back foot? Below is a detailed look at the clear winners and losers emerging from the latest England squad gatherings. **Anthony "Barcelona" Gordon – The New Left‑Wing Standard** For a long time the left‑wing spot for England was a revolving door, with no player able to claim it outright, even during the recent World Cup.
That uncertainty has finally been resolved. Gordon, now 25, has taken the role and is unlikely to relinquish it while he remains fit and in form. During the break he contributed three goals and an assist, signalling that he is operating at the peak of his abilities.
Remarkably, this surge comes despite him still searching for his first goal for Barcelona this season, underscoring his capacity to deliver for England irrespective of club form. Should he stay injury‑free, Gordon is set to become the default choice on the left flank for years to come.
**Alex Scott – A Midfield Pivot Ready for the Spotlight** Scott’s performance in the 7‑0 demolition of Croatia was a masterclass in the role traditionally occupied by Declan Rice. His partnership with Elliot Anderson, forged during England’s victorious Euro‑winning U21 campaign, shone brightly. The two provided a balanced, hard‑working engine that allowed the team to dominate both possession and the final third.
Scott’s emergence gives Tuchel a genuine rotation option in central midfield, something the England side has lacked at major tournaments in the past. If he continues to develop this chemistry with Anderson, England could enjoy a reliable midfield duo that blends defensive solidity with creative spark.
**James Trafford vs. Jordan Pickford – A Goalkeeping Duel in the Making** Tuchel’s first squad selection after the World Cup sparked debate when he opted to start the relatively untested James Trafford against Spain, effectively benching long‑time No 1 Jordan Pickford.
The decision hinted at a possible generational shift between the Leeds United keeper and the veteran. While Pickford reclaimed his place for the final two fixtures, the experience gained by Trafford has widened the competition for the gloves.
Even though the No 1 shirt remains with Pickford for now, the fact that the role is now shared provides a valuable safety net and could force Pickford to raise his level to retain his spot. **Lewis Hall – England’s Long‑Awaited Natural Left‑Back** England’s recent surge on the left side can be largely credited to Lewis Hall’s impressive displays. After years of relying on inverted full‑backs or waiting for Luke Shaw’s return to fitness, Hall offers a genuine, naturally left‑footed option. He even provided the assist for Harry Kane’s second goal against the Czech Republic at Wembley.
If Hall can maintain his fitness, Tuchel will have a dependable defensive outlet, reducing the tactical uncertainty that has plagued the position for several tournaments. **Trent Alexander‑Arnold – Reinvented Right‑Back** Two starts against the Czech Republic have reignited discussions about Alexander‑Arnold’s place in the England lineup.
The Liverpool right‑back showed flashes of his best form, combining his trademark creativity with defensive discipline. In Prague he dazzled with incisive passes, while at Wembley his ability to stretch the opposition was evident. He appears comfortable both as a traditional full‑back and as an auxiliary midfielder behind Bukayo Saka or Morgan Rogers. This versatility could mark a pivotal moment in his international career, turning past criticism into renewed appreciation.
**Harry Kane – The Ever‑Reliable Goal Machine** Kane’s influence remains as potent as ever. He has now reached 91 goals in 125 caps, scoring in nine of his last fourteen England appearances in 2026. His consistency has become almost expected, and while the campaign may not have been a personal highlight for the captain, his goal‑scoring prowess continues to underpin England’s attacking threat.
Some fans even argue that his performances merit a serious Ballon d’Or conversation. **Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo – The Early Exits** Both United players withdrew from the squad within 24 hours of featuring in Fulham’s 1‑1 draw. Their sudden departures raise questions about their future involvement with the national team. Rashford’s absence has allowed Gordon to dominate the left‑wing battle, while Mainoo’s spot is under pressure from emerging midfield talents such as James Garner and Morgan Gibbs‑White.
Their early exits may have inadvertently opened the door for other players to cement their places, but it also puts the United duo’s international prospects in doubt. **Cole Palmer – A Missed Opportunity** Palmer pulled out for load‑management reasons, hoping to preserve his fitness for Chelsea. However, the break demonstrated that he remains on the periphery of Tuchel’s attacking midfield plans, which currently revolve around Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers.
Bellingham contributed to four of England’s seven goals against Croatia, while Rogers added his own goal. Palmer’s withdrawal may have delayed any chance of breaking into this elite midfield trio. **Reece James – Right‑Back Under Threat** When fit, James has been England’s first‑choice right‑back.
Yet the impressive displays from Alexander‑Arnold and the promising debut of Jarell Quansah against Croatia have crowded the position. James now faces a genuine challenge to retain his starting berth, as Tuchel appears keen to rotate and experiment with multiple options on the right flank. **Overall Assessment – Tuchel’s Balancing Act** The Nations League camp was a delicate exercise for Tuchel, who entered the series needing to rebuild trust after the controversial substitutions in the World Cup semi‑final against Argentina.
Any standout win risked being dismissed as a fluke, while a loss would have amplified doubts about his tactical acumen. The 7‑0 victory over Croatia, however, injected fresh momentum into his tenure and sparked conversation across the football world. Tuchel’s recent remarks that England remain a "danger" to themselves when in possession echo his earlier, contentious comments about the team’s DNA. The Three Lions still lag behind Spain in terms of efficiency on both ends of the pitch.
Nevertheless, the clarity emerging in several positions—two natural full‑backs, a settled left‑winger, and a midfield core featuring Rice, Saka, Lewis‑Skelly, Scott, and Rogers—offers a solid foundation. The next step for Tuchel is to translate this clarity into consistency. By maintaining a stable core of players and building cohesion, England can aim to enter Euro 2028 with a well‑integrated squad capable of challenging for major honours.