Thomas Tuchel begged to call on unlikely England resource to end World Cup struggle

Thomas Tuchel and England vs Panama: Ian Wright smiling
Ian Wright knows who he wants to see for England, to change things in the second half. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel and England are currently enduring a second successive 0-0 draw, entering the break against Panama.

The Three Lions have scarcely displayed the qualities required of World Cup champions since their opening victory vs Croatia.

After a thriller, high-octane second-half against the Luka Modric-led side, England haven't scored in 135 minutes of play, so, how can they change that against Panama after the break?

Ian Wright reveals one England player he wants to see, as Three Lions deliver torrid performance vs Panama, 2026 World Cup

Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Ghana. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel needs to make changes, believe Ian Wright and Gary Neville. (Image credit: Getty Images)

In the Three Lions' opener against Croatia, who are currently up 1-0 vs Ghana and in pole position to finish Group L in the top spot, England scored two in each half of football.

Thomas Tuchel's team appears incapable of dismantling a low-block, with constant calls for "patience" from pundits and England staff, despite failing to create consistently high-quality chances.

Harry Kane after the World Cup 2026 game between England and Ghana

Harry Kane has been anonymous since his opening game brace. (Image credit: Getty Images)

England have averaged a shockingly low 0.06xG per shot in their last 135 minutes of football, with 28 attempts and no goals.

In his dissection of the "lack of quality" England have displayed at this World Cup tournament, Ian Wright called on an unlikely player who could change things for Tuchel's men at the tournament.

"I'd like to see someone like Ivan Toney. We need to hold the ball up there, do more than just putting it in [wildly]," said Wright.

Gary Neville agreed with the sentiment, acknowledging that England are a side set up to face big teams, not "underdogs" who are willing to defend and play for the counter.

Ivan Toney scores a penalty for England against Switzerland during a shootout at Euro 2024.

Ivan Toney could be the difference maker for Toney. (Image credit: Getty Images)

"We are struggling badly to break them down. He may have to play with two strikers, Toney and Kane, after half-time," confessed Neville.

England resume the half in second position in the Group L table, in dire need of a goal, and perhaps a change in personnel, to top the standings.

Kedar Bayley
Freelance Writer

Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.

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