He's the best example of a bit of a weird thing about this squad

that Tuchel has plainly ended up with a few players in his squad that he really doesn't trust or want to play, at all.

We've struggled for numbers in centre mid quite a few times this tournament, with Rice being a bit injured and then ill. And that's happened in just about every kind of situation - when we've been chasing the game from behind, trying to break stubborn teams down, or needing to defend a lead. He's ended up dragging Bellingham back, putting Eze in there, playing James there - *anything* but playing Mainoo.

It's not the only slight bit of weird Tuchelness. See also his willingness to play the natural RB Spence at LB, but not at RB - he seems happier to play almost anyone else there, including his first choice CBs.

Dunno whether there really were so few English players he has any faith in. Or alternatively since he picked the squad he's then seen things in a few players he doesn't like, But it's a bit odd. (Of course, hasn't cost us so far.)

Posted By: Tricky Hawes, Jul 12, 18:01:12