England’s World Cup aspirations could very well depend on a clever strategy lifted straight from rugby – and it’s sparking heated debates among fans! As the Three Lions gear up for the tournament in North America, manager Thomas Tuchel faces tough calls on his starting lineup and bench players. But here’s where it gets controversial: he’s eyeing the “Pom Squad” tactic from England’s rugby team, led by Steve Borthwick, to revolutionize his substitution approach. And this is the part most people miss – it might just keep more star players content during the grueling event.
Tuchel’s Rugby-Inspired Substitutions
The buzz around England’s team selection is reaching fever pitch, especially after Jude Bellingham’s surprising omission from the starting eleven against Serbia. This decision underscored Tuchel’s no-nonsense style, where performance trumps individual egos. With a wealth of top-tier talent flooding the attacking midfield – think Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze battling for spots – it’s like trying to fit too many puzzle pieces into a small frame. Tuchel has openly discussed his blueprint, hinting that not every superstar, from Foden and Bellingham to Harry Kane, can shine together on the pitch at once. Players like Ollie Watkins find themselves on the sidelines, as Tuchel emphasizes team harmony and tactical precision over spotlight-grabbing moments. As the World Cup looms, his unyielding focus on results promises more drama, tough picks, and plenty of headlines.
Yet, there’s a twist that could add some excitement: Tuchel might adopt the “Pom Squad” method from rugby to boost squad morale throughout the tournament. This fresh concept, coined for England’s men’s rugby team, plays on “Pom,” a playful Aussie and Kiwi slang for Brits. Inspired by South Africa’s famed “Bomb Squad,” it involves loading the bench with powerful forwards ready to charge in late-game and dominate. It’s been a major chat point ahead of the Autumn Internationals, and now it could become Tuchel’s secret weapon at next year’s World Cup. For beginners, imagine rugby’s physical, high-stakes scrums where fresh, brawny players swap in to smash through defenses – Tuchel wants something similar for football’s fluid, fast-paced action, ensuring tired legs don’t cost the team.
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Tuchel: ‘Clarity in the role is very important’
Tuchel emphasized the need for a strong backup squad, noting the scorching 40-degree heat and the toll of an extended season packed with domestic cups, finals, and semifinals. “We need a good bench,” he said, “we play in 40 degrees and we will play after a long, long season, we are maybe the nation that suffers the most from international football, from long seasons, from two cups, from cup finals, from semi-finals. 100 per cent we need to be ready to do substitutions until hopefully the late stages of the World Cup. Once we go to a tournament, I think clarity in the role is very important. The better player can also think about it and be honest: ‘Can I accept this, is it good for me, can I make the most of this for the team?'” This approach highlights how players must embrace their roles, whether starting or subbing in, to maximize the team’s success.
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Tuchel reveals pain at leaving players out
The German coach shared his discomfort with sidelining players, explaining that internationals arrive expecting regular play, often as captains or key figures in their club sides. “They come with England because they are regularly picked, they come because they are captains and key players in their club team,” he admitted. “Then I tell my squad and 10 of them have to sit on the bench but you see already I normally pick only 21 of 23 because I just hate this talk to give yesterday Alex Scott the message ‘you are not in the squad.’ I don’t like it, I have stomach pain and even to see players on the bench, they will never like it but I strongly believe they will accept it. We need to have the roles clear. Once we go to a tournament – what is your role? I think in a ten day camp it is easy. Sometimes you are picked, sometimes you are not picked or you are the competition for someone who at the moment maybe has his nose ahead and he starts regularly. I think that is normal.” It’s a candid look at the human side of management, where clarity and acceptance are key to a united squad.
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No rush to announce World Cup squad
England faces their last qualifying match this Sunday evening in Tirana against Albania, already secured for the tournament. Tuchel won’t unveil his final 23 until May 2026, though he’ll select squads for qualifiers and friendlies in the interim. He’s stressed that “anything can happen” before the official reveal, leaving room for underdogs to shine. For instance, a standout performance in a friendly could tip the scales for a fringe player, adding an element of unpredictability to the process.
What do you think – is Tuchel’s rugby-inspired tweak a brilliant innovation or just borrowing trouble? Could prioritizing tactical balance over star power backfire, or is it the smart way to win big? And here’s a controversial take: maybe swapping tactics from sports like rugby shows football needs fresh ideas, but does it risk making the game less about individual brilliance? Share your opinions in the comments – agree, disagree, or add your own counterpoints!