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The England players whose stock rose (or fell) in the international break

Mike McGrath
06/10/2026 21:10:00
Anthony Gordon scored in all three of the games he featured in during the extended international break - Getty Images/Gabriel Kuchta
Anthony Gordon scored in all three of the games he featured in during the extended international break - Getty Images/Gabriel Kuchta

England concluded their four-match international break with a 3-0 victory over Czech Republic in the Nations League at Wembley.

Tuesday’s result follows a 3-2 defeat against world champions Spain, a 2-0 win in the away fixture against Czech Republic and a thumping 7-0 victory away at Croatia.

During this latest camp, Alex Scott earned his first cap, Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to the fold and England’s main attacking threats continued to impress.

Telegraph Sport takes a look at how each of Thomas Tuchel’s players performed across the last 11 days and whether their stock has risen or fallen on the international stage.

Made an error against Spain that led to a goal and eventually headed back to Manchester City to treat an injury. Now has Lewis Hall as serious competition at left-back.

Given seven minutes against Spain, then eight against Czechs. His call-up was a reward for his excellent season with Leeds but it is still the Harry Kane show for England.

Given a start against Czechs at Wembley but the place on the left flank has really been cemented by Anthony Gordon now, with Eze an option off the bench when Tuchel goes full-strength.

His action in this break was the minute plus stoppage-time against Spain, then half-an-hour at Wembley against the Czechs. Others ahead of him in the pecking order when Ezri Konsa was injured.

Did not put a glove wrong against Croatia in a famous win and retained his place against Czechs at Wembley but now has clear competition for his No1 jersey.

Had a very poor start to the international break with an error against Spain but recovered in the matches since, starting in all four.

Kept a clean sheet against Czechs after keeping his place from the World Cup. Tuchel sees him as a reliable squad player and his move to Como may help him stay in the squad heading to the Euros.

Was on holiday when he got to the call to cover for injuries and was rewarded with appearances off the bench. Puts him in a good position for a call-up outright next month.

Tuchel liked what he saw in the pre-World Cup camp in Florida. The Liverpool forward took that opportunity and got another appearance under this belt.

Headed home early through injury but was Tuchel’s first choice in this camp before that. Would Tuchel go with John Stones at full-strength? Konsa has a case for being an automatic choice.

Another one who got the call-up when injuries struck and he looked lively when he came off the bench. Surely now ahead of Cole Palmer in the pecking order.

Clean sheet in Prague to follow up a decent enough display against Spain despite conceding three. Tuchel wanted to give him opportunities – now he has the chance to challenge Pickford.

First England caps for a year and showed in the space of 10 seconds in Prague what he brings to the team – winning the ball back, sprinting forward and providing an assist with a cross.

Tuchel puts him above Alexander-Arnold at right-back, then used him inside in the home match against Czechs when Konsa was injured. His physicality and mobility are qualities the head coach likes.

Back in Tuchel’s plans after missing the World Cup and given his chance to impress in midfield in the absence of Declan Rice. Poor first half in Prague but can be happy with his return.

Every fine performance begs the question of why he did not play against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. Given a breather in the final match after starting three matches, scoring twice against Croatia.

He may have lost the battle for the No 10 jersey but the Chelsea forward seized his chance when given it. Fine goal against Croatia and starts in both Czech games.

Incredible stamina to get up the left flank in three of England’s four games. He has staked a claim to be first-choice in his full-back position going forward.

Even in defeat against Spain showed how influential he can be in a game. Took leadership in midfield in Rice’s absence and seems to have important role in the way England function.

His international break will be defined by his display against Croatia in Rijeka where he took control of the midfield for England. His injury from that game has led to a row with Bournemouth over his treatment. But no doubts that he is a future England player.

Now has the joint-record amount of England caps, joining Peter Shilton on 125. Found the net in every game of the extended international break. His header against Spain was a bit dubious – it looked like an own goal. But he’s up to 91 now.

Reinforced his position as the player driving England forward, their match-winner. Fearless running and goalscoring touch that we saw at the World Cup. Scary to think that he is reaching new heights.

Has taken his game to another level in these games, some of his best performances in an England shirt, including scoring in his three starts and a stunning assist in Croatia.

by The Telegraph