Tuchel’s England Are Taking Shape: Four Things the Nations League Taught Us

England Men are starting to look like a team again. After the pain of that World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina in Atlanta, Thomas Tuchel used this extended international break to answer some big questions. Four Nations League games later, we've got a much clearer picture of where this squad is heading and which players are making themselves impossible to ignore.

Kane and His Front Four Are the Real Deal

Let's start with the obvious. Harry Kane is still the best striker England have ever produced, and the 3-0 win over the Czech Republic at Wembley showed exactly why Tuchel continues to build everything around him. Equalling 125 caps is one thing. Sitting on 91 international goals, a full 38 ahead of Wayne Rooney in second place, is something else entirely. The man is going to score 100 goals for England. It's a question of when, not if.

But what's genuinely exciting right now is what's forming around him. Anthony Gordon has been one of the stories of this break, scoring in three consecutive Nations League games before being rested against the Czechs at Wembley. His move to Barcelona has clearly sharpened him. Add in a rejuvenated Bukayo Saka, who looks fully fit again after carrying an Achilles problem through the World Cup, and Jude Bellingham orchestrating everything behind them, and you've got an attacking unit that any team in the world would struggle to contain.

Cole Palmer's absence from this squad has quietly allowed others to lock down their spots. Morgan Gibbs-White cut short a family holiday to join up when called. That's the kind of attitude that gets noticed. The front four looks settled, and that's huge for England Men going forward.

Scott's Injury Is a Blow, But the Midfield Depth Is Real

The biggest disappointment of this camp was Alex Scott picking up a thigh injury after a brilliant debut in the 7-0 Croatia rout. The Bournemouth midfielder was outstanding. Powerful, technically sound, full of energy in his link play. He looked completely at home at international level.

Tuchel's quote said it all. He confirmed Declan Rice remains his first choice but made clear that Scott's performances had created genuine competition. That's a good problem to have, and it shows the depth England Men now carry in central midfield.

Elliot Anderson continues to develop after a solid World Cup. Myles Lewis-Skelly got minutes. James Garner, who Tuchel reportedly called England's 'mini Valverde', is firmly in the picture. Kobbie Mainoo pulled out injured and Adam Wharton hasn't managed to force his way in yet, but the overall picture is of a midfield group with real options at every level.

Alexander-Arnold Has Made Tuchel's Decision for Him

This one felt like a turning point. Tuchel's complicated relationship with Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the defining subplots of his England tenure. Leaving him out of World Cup qualifiers, the pointed comments about defensive responsibility, then the ultimate snub of dropping him from the World Cup squad entirely. It was messy.

But the recall happened, and Alexander-Arnold responded with performances that make it very hard to drop him again. His first start under Tuchel, against the Czechs in Prague, included a world-class cross for Gordon's opener. At Wembley, he was a constant threat with a 30-yard free-kick that forced a fine save and several more dangerous deliveries from wide positions.

Yes, his defensive side wasn't really tested here. We acknowledge that. But the creative output is so significant that England Men look a better team with him in it. Tuchel knows this now. The evidence is right in front of him.

Hall Has Handed Tuchel a Selection Headache at Left-Back

Finally, Lewis Hall. The Newcastle defender stepped in when Nico O'Reilly went back to City injured and took his chance brilliantly. Across three games, Hall looked composed, attack-minded and completely comfortable at this level.

The partnership with Gordon on the left flank caught the eye immediately. The two former Newcastle team-mates combined with a natural understanding that you simply can't manufacture overnight. That connection is a serious asset for England Men.

O'Reilly did nothing wrong and there are genuine questions about whether he's a natural left-back or a converted midfielder filling in. Hall has made this a real competition. The 22-year-old just signed a new deal keeping him at Newcastle until 2031, so he's in a settled place. He's fit, he's hungry, and he's put his hand up at exactly the right time.

England Men look more settled than they have in a while. The pieces are falling into place, and if Tuchel can keep his best players fit and available, this squad has the tools to go deep when it really matters.