Thomas Tuchel emphasized the crucial role of substitutes in England's quest for World Cup victory, highlighting that success hinges on collective effort rather than individual stars. He stressed that with players potentially fatigued from demanding club seasons and the tournament played in hot conditions, a strong bench is essential for achieving late-stage success.
Tuchel acknowledged that it's natural for players not in the starting lineup to feel unhappy, but they must channel that frustration into supporting their teammates from the sidelines. He drew a parallel to successful clubs and nations where the entire squad rallies together, with everyone on the bench actively involved in pushing for collective glory.
The England manager admitted that making selection decisions, such as leaving out Jude Bellingham against Serbia, can be difficult and cause him discomfort. He also discussed the practicalities of managing player fatigue, suggesting that England might need to be creative with their allowed substitutions, even considering changes at halftime to maximize their impact.
Tuchel indicated that player performance in training sessions, like those after the Andorra match, can influence selection for upcoming games, keeping the door open for those who impress.
