Why England vs Uruguay is almost like Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions 'Hunger Games'

The Germans' decision to pick such a large squad, the merits of who's in and who's out and the issue around Trent Alexander-Arnold have been dissected again and again, but one thing he has made clear is the narrative around the Three Lions' clash with Uruguay tonight.

By separating his players into two camps, he's set the game up for those remaining as a final chance to sway his opinion on World Cup places before the eleven players he's allowed to miss the fixture return to face Japan next week. 

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Therefore, tonight has become the setting for a true fight for places, England's own Hunger Games, where a standout performance could book you a place on the plane, whereas a subpar display could end the American dream for good

With eleven players being rested, who you would assume are pretty much nailed on to go to North America, that leaves 23 players available to play against Uruguay - four of which are goalies - leaving 19 names looking to make an impression. So, who's in the firing line and who's fired up to prove a point?

A case for the defence 

Jordan Pickford isn't one of the names being held back for the game, so he'll probably start at Wembley and then give way to either James Trafford or Aaron Ramsdale, who will fight for a third goalkeeping spot behind Dean Henderson. 

As for the backline, England could really start a game in 2026 with Harry Maguire and John Stones in the centre of defence, giving everyone the 2018 feels. Stones is probably more likely to go to the States, leaving Maguire and Fikayo Tomori as the ones who need a credible showing. 

Lewis Hall will surely get his chance at left-back to show he can be the 'proper' option in that position alongside Nico O'Reilly, while on the other side, it depends on how Tuchel sees Djed Spence and Tino Livramento in terms of which side they are suited best. 

Ben White may also get some minutes, but his late call-up suggests he'd have to a lot in this camp and in the game to make it as Reece James' back-up. 

Ben McShane/Sportsfile via Getty Images

Men in the middle 

There's a choice in the middle of Jordan Henderson, Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo and James Garner for Tuchel to start against the South Americans - which is an intriguing prospect. 

They will all be trying to gatecrash a midfield of Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson, which seems nailed on as the England bosses' favoured pairing, with Jordan Henderson likely to get the nod for his experience around the camp. 

That may only leave one more space as a midfield option, with Wharton possibly having the edge, seeing as Tuchel has seen more of him close hand. Unless either Garner or Mainoo play their way into contention this week. 

Yet, the biggest fight could be in attack, especially in the coveted number 10 spot. 

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Calling number 10 

With Jude Bellingham injured and Morgan Rogers part of the other camp, the stage is set for Cole Palmer and Phil Foden to duke it out for what may only be one more place in the number 10 position. 

Thomas Tuchel has already alluded to some possible tough decisions in that area, which suggests a big name could be left at home. On current form, it feels like Palmer could start against Uruguay and will be under pressure to perform, given Foden will be given his chance to shine in the game, too. It's almost crazy to think one could be left at home this summer, but it's a real possibility. 

In the wide areas, Noni Madeuke seems to be a favourite of the manager and would be the natural back-up to Bukayo Saka, unless Jarrod Bowen can really put himself forward. On the other side, with Ebere Eze injured, Harvey Barnes could take an opportunity to put himself in the frame.

Then there's Harry Kane's understudy. With Ollie Watkins at home, it's down to the two Dominics, with Calvert-Lewin and Solanke bound to share the load across the 90 minutes. A goal or a standout showing would surely be either at the front of the line as we head towards the final furlong. Inaki Esnaola/Getty Images

What it is apparent is that the England gaffer has certainly laid down a marker for these players tonight, and made a run-of-the-mill March friendly feel doubly important for the players involved and fans watching on. 

But who will be left standing at the end, as the race for World Cup places comes down to a shootout under the Arch? 

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