Thomas Tuchel has five nailed-on starters but the clock is ticking for other England stars

Thomas Tuchel can clinch World Cup qualification on Tuesday night - and the clock is ticking on his players to book their place.

England bossTuchel arguably has just FIVE nailed-on starters for next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Jordan Pickford, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane pretty much know that if they are fit then they will be the first names on the team sheet.

But Tuchel now has fierce competition not just for places in the squad but also in the starting XI and there can be no doubt that - just eight months before the tournament - it is unusual to have so many slots up for grabs.

Under former boss Gareth Southgate, it was always fairly easy to second guess his first choice line-up if all were fit and available. The keeper was settled, back four picked itself and Southgate had his favourites in midfield and attack.

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Tuchel has craved the competition and it feels like he is enjoying the current squad fighting hard to ensure they keep their places in England’s XI because that, in turn, raises standards.

Pickford is the undisputed No1. Guehi is England’s most reliable defender. Rice wore the armband against Wales. Saka is one of England’s top stars and so consistent for club and country. Kane is the record goalscorer and captain.

But both full back places are up for grabs, a centre half slot, Elliot Anderson is leader in the club house to be England’s No6 and competition is fierce for the No10 role and left wing.

Remarkably, England’s stars now just have FIVE more games - including Tuesday’s qualifier in Latvia - before Tuchel names his squad for the United States next summer.

England also have qualifiers with Serbia and Albania next month, two friendlies in March - both are set to be at Wembley when the opponents will depend on December’s World Cup draw - and then Tuchel will name his squad before they fly out to their training base.

Tuchel is a huge fan of Reece James and if the Chelsea captain is fit then he definitely starts ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold who will probably feel as if his immediate battle when he gets fit is to make the squad let alone the team.

James is strong defensively, very good with his crossing ability and Tuchel knows and trusts him from working together at Chelsea.

John Stones is probably the preferred option at right-sided centre half. But his injury record must be a concern. Tuchel loves Ezri Konsa and he is a very serious option.

Left back remains a big issue. Luke Shaw had it nailed down under Southgate. He is nowhere now. Myles Lewis-Skelly appears favourite with Tino Livramento injured but Djed Spence is definitely a strong possibility for the squad.

Anderson looks the best and most likely option for defensive midfield. That allows Rice to get forward more as he does with Arsenal.

Saka is first choice on the right. Morgan Rogers is the man in possession for the No10 shirt but Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer will surely come into the equation.

Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon and Phil Foden will battle it out for a place on the left. If Rashford is in form and fit, he is favourite.

Kane is a definite starter up top. And no wonder with his goals record. There are also two names who look absolute certainties for the squad - even if they are not certain starters.

First, Newcastle defender Dan Burn. Tuchel loves him. He likes what he brings into the squad as a character but also the 6ft 7in defender’s threat from set pieces.

In a hot tournament which may be dictated by the climate and weather conditions, long throws, free kicks and corners may be important. As will be getting someone on the end of them. Burn stands tall.

Then Jordan Henderson for his influence on the pitch and off it. It will not be a universally popular selection but Tuchel insists team spirit, experience and leadership is key for his Team England and building a club atmosphere next summer.

Tuchel likely XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford; Kane.

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