Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, and England's Bench Strength Could Shape Their World Cup Journey
The recent match against Croatia showcased how crucial Thomas Tuchel’s bench can be for England. This group of attacking players is stacked with talent, but not everyone fits into the starting lineup. Much like Arsenal’s approach under Mikel Arteta, who favors calling substitutes 'finishers', England might rely heavily on their bench to push through the World Cup.
The Gordon-Rashford Choice
Tuchel opted for Anthony Gordon over Marcus Rashford on the left side of attack, despite many fans wanting Rashford to start. Gordon worked hard off the ball, pressing and making runs even if his touches were limited. Rashford offers a similar style, combining pressing with clever movement behind defenses. When he entered the match after 72 minutes, Rashford scored within thirteen minutes, completing a slick team move.
"Marcus is pushing and pushing in training at the highest level. I’m very happy for him to get his goal and hope he stays hungry for more," Tuchel said.
Morgan Rogers Versus Jude Bellingham
Tuchel admires Morgan Rogers, an Aston Villa player tipped for a big transfer soon. Even if Jude Bellingham is seen as a better pure footballer, Rogers almost started the Croatia game. Though he came on late, Rogers brought energy and made a key decoy run before England’s fourth goal. He could step up more often, or maybe even share the pitch with Bellingham.
Other Key Contributors
Djed Spence impressed at right-back, replacing Reece James and adding attacking spark. Bukayo Saka, still recovering from injuries, played only 20 minutes but assisted Rashford’s goal. Tuchel is cautious with Saka’s Achilles, expecting him to be fully fit by the last group game.
Depth That Was Once Unthinkable
Several players haven’t seen the field yet: Ollie Watkins, Eberechi Eze, and Kobbie Mainoo. England’s attacking options now are vast compared to the 2018 squad, which had limited substitutes like Danny Welbeck and Fabian Delph. This current team carries much more firepower off the bench.
Managing Ambitions and Minutes
Players used to regular club starts want game time at the World Cup. Rashford has questioned his minutes, but Tuchel praises his commitment and impact. Almost all of the 26-man squad started regularly for their clubs last season. Tuchel trusts that the players will accept rotation over the coming weeks.
"We picked this group knowing they could handle it, and they all can," Tuchel explained.
Balancing Starters and Reserves
Some squad members like Jordan Henderson or Ivan Toney play specific roles beyond just starting matches. Tuchel mentioned having "14 or 15 starters" capable of influencing games. Given the demanding schedule ahead, rotating the squad will be inevitable.
This depth means England can rest key players without losing quality. If Bellingham needs a break, Rogers might step in. For less critical group games, players like Watkins could get chances. Whether it’s changing a match late or preserving energy for tougher games, England’s bench might prove essential in their bid to reach the final on July 19.
