A New Era Begins this Month for England

A new era begins this month for England. Thomas Tuchel was appointed as manager of the national team back in 2024, and he’s now preparing to take his first game in charge on Friday night. Tuchel named his first-ever squad earlier this month. A selection that would have undoubtedly split opinion – when does an England manager ever pick a squad that everyone agrees with? Club biases always creep in, even if subconsciously, but regardless, Tuchel has picked a star-studded squad, even with injuries to certain players. 

26 players have been selected, but of course, only 11 will be starting against Albania. There are certain players who are guaranteed to start if Tuchel decides to play his strongest side. Jordan Pickford has solidified the number one slot between the sticks, Harry Kane is almost untouchable in attack, Declan Rice is the linchpin in midfield, Marc Guehi is slowly becoming a key player in defence. 

The spine of Tuchel’s side is already sorted, but Gareth Southgate had a problem trying to find the right balance in the attack. How do you get Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in the same side? Cole Palmer has exploded over the last year, how do you add him into the mix? 

With Bukayo Saka out injured, Tuchel might be tempted to try the likes of Foden, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Rogers, or even Marcus Rashford on the right-hand side of attack. This has been a major problem for England over the years – trying to shoehorn players into positions. There’s one answer to the Saka-replacement-conundrum, Jarrod Bowen. 

Bowen shares a lot of similarities with Saka, but due to the Arsenal winger performing exceptionally for club and country, he’s found it difficult to cement his place in the side. With Saka on the treatment table, it’s a chance for Bowen to showcase his ability. 

Over the last few years, Bowen’s numbers for West Ham have been staggering. Achieving over 20 goals and assists combined in the last three seasons, hitting a whopping 30 last campaign in just 44 matches. The 28-year-old has been a crucial player for the Hammers, but perhaps not gotten as many chances with his country as he would have hoped.

Bowen and Saka are both left-footed right-wingers. They like to hold the width for their side, creating space for others, but also look to link up with their full-backs and drive into central areas, cutting onto their stronger foot. Although they enjoy coming centrally, their starting position is usually as a touchline winger. This offers the team they play in a bit of balance. When you start utilising players like Palmer and Foden in these positions, their natural starting position is usually more central, making it too congested between the lines. 

You often need at least one of your wingers to sit on the touchline and come into central areas at the right moment. This is the balance that both Bowen and Saka can offer.

Comparing Saka and Bowen last season in the Premier League, you can see the similarities. Both players are high-volume shot-takers, with Bowen actually excelling in certain areas over Saka. Their ability to take on players and carry the ball into the box makes them high threats in the final third, often leading to sides having to double up on them out wide, even occupying three or four defenders at a time. 

Bowen has the ability to go either way, which makes him incredibly difficult to mark. You’ll see the West Ham winger cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, where he can shoot, send an inswinging cross, slot a throughball to a striker, or take it on his right, getting to the byline before crossing into the box. 

That’s one of the main differences between playing a player like Bowen and someone like Foden or Palmer. Bowen is a natural wide player, who knows when the time is right to drift into central areas. When necessary, Bowen will be outside holding the width, creating space for attacking midfielders in central areas, dragging defenders out of position unselfishly. 

Gordon, Rashford, and Rogers may also be pushing for a start on the right-hand side of attack. All three players are more suited to either playing centrally or off the left, and the reason they’ve earned a call-up to Tuchel’s squad is due to their ability when being deployed in a position they’re comfortable in. 

Balance is key to a side functioning properly. It’s all well and good having the best, most technical players in the world, but if they can’t function in the same starting XI, they won’t play to the best of their abilities. With Bowen, you’re getting the natural right-hand side balance without sacrificing technical ability or efficiency. 

Bowen might not be at the technical level of a player like Foden or Palmer, but he offers an incredible amount. His finishing ability is second to none, he has a strong frame meaning he’s difficult to shake off the ball, and he can ride challenges while running with pace and power. Again, all very similar to Saka. 

If you’re looking to replace a player in a side, it’s not just about finding the best player and sticking him in. You have to find the right profile to suit the team dynamics, to help get the best out of others, and to offer something different. Saka has been one of England’s most important players over the years, ahead of other superstar names, and Bowen has the ability and the profile to fill his shoes for England over the next couple of games. The West Ham man should be starting in Tuchel’s side and giving him something to think about when Saka returns from injury. 

Written by APFA Member, Tactically Matt.