Former England goalkeeper David James has drawn comparisons between Thomas Tuchel and Mikel Arteta, predicting the Three Lions boss will ring the changes for the second group game against Ghana. In his exclusive Metro column, James reflected on England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia and outlined why Tuchel’s team selection and mentality signal a new era.
England’s Fearless Second-Half Display Against Croatia
James praised England’s reaction after a shaky first 45 minutes against Croatia. “It wasn’t a particularly good first 45 minutes from us despite the goals. But the reaction at half-time was tremendous. The second-half was the kind of performance we would expect from these players.” He noted the absence of nervousness even after Croatia pulled two goals back. “I can only guess here, but it is almost like Thomas Tuchel has told them he doesn’t mind conceding goals, just win the game. Which is a very different narrative from ‘don’t let them score and we will get our chances’. There was no fear and I liked it.”
Harry Kane’s Goals Served the Team, Not the Individual
James highlighted how Harry Kane’s double was framed around collective success. “In the past, had our striker scored two goals in a game of that magnitude, it would have all been about the striker. But this was about the team and it seems to be an ideal scenario for Thomas Tuchel because all he has talked about is the importance of the team and not just the importance of any individual player.”
How England Should Approach Ghana
Looking ahead to the Ghana clash, James expects England to maintain offensive control. “If the opposition aren’t there to cause problems, I don’t see a scenario in this competition where England will want to sit back on a lead. The control was offensive control, causing Croatia problems. We could do that again against Ghana.” He noted that Ghana, after beating Panama, might settle for a draw, which could force England to adapt. “So we will see a different side of the England team even at this early stage which can only be a good thing.”
Tuchel Likely to Make Three or Four Changes
James anticipates rotation regardless of the Croatia result. “I think there will be rotation and would have been irrespective of the result the other night. Marcus Rashford may start, Bukayo Saka might be another. I think there will be three or four changes rather than sticking to the same side.” He believes this exposes players to different styles needed for knockout games. “I think Marcus Rashford comes in tonight.”
Tuchel Echoes Arteta’s ‘Finishers’ Philosophy
Drawing a parallel with the Arsenal manager, James said: “Tuchel is sounding like Mikel Arteta in a lot of ways. Arteta mentioned numerous times last season the importance of finishers and the impact of substitutions to finish and win games. The preparation for starting the game is just as important as the preparation for finishing it.”
Defensive Decisions: Stones, Konsa, and Guehi
On the centre-back pairing, James suggested Marc Guehi’s potential return would be rotational, not reactive. “If Marc Guehi does comes back in, I don’t think it comes as a result of what happened in the first-half against Croatia. It will be more of a rotation decision.” He added that Tuchel views a nucleus of 14 or 15 players as starters, including Guehi and Rashford.
Pickford and Croatia’s Quality Goals
James defended Jordan Pickford after Croatia’s two goals. “The quality of the Croatia goals can’t be overlooked. … He still managed to get across and get a hand to it which will add to his frustration but the fact he was able to get across still shows his quality.” He called the second goal “very well crafted” and praised England’s resilience. “The most impressive thing was how England reacted and didn’t crumble. There were so many positives.”
Maguire’s England Door Still Open
James addressed Harry Maguire’s omission, noting the versatility of other defenders. “I’m a big Harry Maguire fan; if you could create an England defender it would look like Harry Maguire in terms of his ability, his desire, his passion. However, I think there is a limitation to Maguire, that he plays one role. In the squad there are players who can play more than one.” He insisted Tuchel’s decisions are not spiteful. “I don’t think there is anything in Tuchel and his decisions that is spiteful. … I would like to think the door is still wide open for Harry Maguire and England going forward.”
