England will face Uruguay in a friendly match. Ahead of the game, England manager Thomas Tuchel attended a press conference.
Reason for Not Calling Up Alexander-Arnold
Tuchel: “This is just a choice, a football-based choice. Maybe it's a difficult choice, and in a way, it might be unfair too. I chose Ben White because I watched his performances in the League Cup final and previous Champions League matches, and he has regained his former form. This is also an opportunity to observe him personally. I know what Alexander-Arnold can bring to us. I have selected Ben White and Tino Livramento, continuing to choose players who performed well in our training camps in September, November, and December, as well as Djed Spence. I know that excluding a player like Alexander-Arnold will spark heated discussions. We had a phone call, and I tried to explain the situation. He just has to accept it.”
Players' Pressure
Tuchel: “The atmosphere is very good. This is the last training camp, and we encourage everyone to show their best side. We strive to build teamwork, require everyone to maintain a positive attitude, and for each person to integrate into the team as soon as possible. We are well-prepared for tomorrow's match. Will everything go smoothly on the pitch? Probably not. But this is the situation they are facing. It's a positive pressure because they are playing for England and for a World Cup spot. The decision will be made in late May. Tomorrow is just an opportunity to show themselves.”
Competition Between Madueke and Saka
Tuchel: “I'm glad he plays for Arsenal and has the chance to compete for multiple trophies. He competes with the best players like Bukayo Saka. He himself can become one of the best players too. During that difficult training camp in June, we saw his best form. He also performed brilliantly in the September training camp and had an outstanding performance against Serbia. An injury affected his form, and Saka took on the responsibility at Arsenal and for England. We need more than one player for each position, and this will be a healthy competition for us.”
Palmer and Foden
Tuchel: “They are very similar—both left-footed players who play as second strikers and can get past opponents with feints. They have a profound understanding of the game. They like to create opportunities for other players. Palmer is more willing to take risks in matches than Foden. He has played as an 8 in Manchester City multiple times and has a strong sense of responsibility. They are very similar and both at the highest level. Watching them train is a pure pleasure. They love football, and football favors them too.”
Who Will Captain the Team in Kane's Absence?
Tuchel: “Typically, I will choose among John Stones, Jordan Henderson, and Jordan Pickford. It depends on who starts.”
Which Players Will Be Cut
Tuchel: “I will make the decision on Friday night after the match ends, because by then we will have a clear understanding of the injury situation and the condition of newly added players. We also need to re-evaluate their situations. Then we will make the decision. Some players know this might happen, and they have enough time to accept it. This is more of an opportunity than a bad thing. There are many ways to show oneself. You can put in a top performance on the pitch tomorrow, or you can show yourself as a teammate, in training, or in social aspects off the pitch. There are many ways to show yourself, and everyone has performed very well, which is imaginable! They are not competing against each other but fighting together, and everyone believes they can start tomorrow. The decision hasn't been made yet. I think some people will be disappointed when we split into groups on Saturday morning, which is normal, but the players staying for the second phase of the training camp deserve our full attention—they should become a small team, and we can support them in the second match.”
Fans' Support and Expectations
Tuchel: “Will everything go smoothly once the match starts, and will everyone find their rhythm? There will be some nervous players, and they will gradually adapt to the game. We are facing a high-level opponent with a top coach. It will be a tough match. If things don't go well, we need to fight hard, run actively, and show physical confrontation. But at the same time, I hope we can play with passion and freedom.”
Dealing with Bielsa
Tuchel: “Now we are going to face Bielsa's team—nothing can be done in the usual way!”
Expectations for Uruguay
Tuchel: “We expect them to field three mobile midfielders, two wingers, and a typical No.9 player. They are very strong, have a unique offensive organizational style, and are physically confrontational. We must keep up with their running rhythm.”
Why Give Ben White a Second Chance After His Previous Omission
Tuchel: "First of all, I think everyone deserves a second chance. Secondly, I don't know exactly what happened before. I'm not 100% interested either, because I want to start a new chapter and new opportunities. I asked Ben White if he was ready to play for me and England, and he didn't hesitate for a moment to say that he really wanted to return, that he was eager to come back.
"When he received the call-up after Calvin Bassey got injured, he responded immediately. He was very excited, very positive, and emotionally moved. This showed me that he was sincere. His performances and training methods here in the camp have been excellent, very, very good. This has demonstrated his strength.
"I think it's necessary for him to resolve any estrangement with his teammates, and I think he will get along well with those players who have returned after participating in the World Cup. Then we'll see how things develop. We'll see how he feels, whether he is as comfortable and confident as he thinks he is. So far, things have been going well.
“He has my support, and I hope he can also get the fans' support, then we'll see what happens next.”
