England's Winger Dilemma
England Coach Thomas Tuchel Grapples with Winger Selection Dilemma Ahead of Norway Match
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England faces Norway in a World Cup quarterfinal on July 11, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida — and coach Thomas Tuchel has a serious problem on his hands CT Post. Neither pair of wide forwards he has tried this summer has finished a full match together, leaving his winger lineup unsettled heading into one of the biggest games of the tournament.
The final two World Cup semifinal spots are up for grabs Friday, with England versus Norway followed by Argentina against Switzerland in Kansas City, Missouri Standard Democrat. Tuchel's selection headache could prove costly if he gets it wrong.
Tuchel Has Tried Five Winger Combinations Already
England's winger problem is real and well-documented SSBCrack. Tuchel has rotated through five different combinations across the flanks this summer. No pairing has clicked well enough to lock down a starting spot. That kind of instability is unusual this late in a major tournament.
On the left, Tuchel has leaned on Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford at different points SSBCrack. On the right, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka have shared duties. The core issue: both Gordon and Rashford prefer cutting in from the right. Deploying them together creates overlap and leaves England lopsided.
Saka Remains England's Most Reliable Wide Threat
Bukayo Saka stands out as the one constant in England's attack SSBCrack. He is comfortable on either flank and creates chances at a higher rate than the alternatives. Tuchel's most stable setup involves building his right side around Saka and finding someone who complements him on the left.
Madueke offers pace and directness, but his end product has been inconsistent SSBCrack. Rashford brings power and a goal threat, while Gordon gives Tuchel tireless pressing and width. None of them is a clean fit for the left side, which is exactly why Tuchel has struggled to settle on a first choice.
Norway's Solbakken Brings Structure to His Winger Rotation
On the other side, Norway coach Ståle Solbakken has taken a calmer approach SSBCrack. He rotates his wingers on a planned schedule rather than reacting to poor performances. That structure gives Norway's wide players clear roles and keeps the team shape consistent from game to game.
Norway is preparing in Miami Gardens ahead of Friday's kickoff CT Post. Solbakken's organized system could exploit any confusion in England's defensive shape if Tuchel's wingers are not working as a unit. A disjointed England attack also puts more pressure on the back line when Norway counters.
Miami Gardens Quarterfinal Could Hinge on Wide Play
Wide play figures to decide this match HJ News. England's wingers need to stretch Norway's defense and create space for the forwards. If Tuchel's chosen pair cannot hold their shape or link up in tight areas, England's attack will look narrow and predictable against a well-drilled Norwegian side.
Tuchel must name his starting lineup soon, and there is no obviously correct answer SSBCrack. Every combination he has tried comes with a trade-off. The coach who solves his wide problem first — Tuchel or Solbakken — will have a major edge when the two sides meet on Friday night in Florida.
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