From our reporters on the ground, former England international Michael Owen has put a radical rotation plan to head coach Thomas Tuchel: at the World Cup, even the strongest trio who have already locked down starting spots behind Harry Kane should drop to the bench and be saved for the second half.
In England’s final pre-group-stage friendly on Wednesday, the Three Lions beat Costa Rica 3-0. Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke started in support of Kane, with Madueke replacing Bukayo Saka, who was sidelined with an Achilles injury; Gordon and Bellingham impressed, while Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers remain in the hunt for starting berths. England finished with 28 shots, eight on target and 81% possession, while Costa Rica managed just one attempt and 19% possession. The Three Lions open their group campaign next week.
Owen said heat and fatigue are the real dangers, and winning comes down to freshness. He advocates heavy rotation in the roles behind Kane — no more than 45 minutes per player in a single match — so the best players can come on late when opponents are tiring. Even someone who scores a hat-trick in the opener would have to be withdrawn at half-time.
According to data at our disposal, England are ranked fourth by FIFA; Owen’s pick to win it all is France, who have risen to No. 1, with Germany — ranked tenth — as his dark horse.
