Thomas Tuchel claims England youngsters must prove themselves worthy of playing in Premier League as top flight's homegrown issue continues to cause concern

The percentage of starters eligible for England this season has dropped to a record low of 23.2 per cent, which contrasts sharply with previous seasons under former boss Gareth Southgate, when it ranged from 30 per cent to 33 per cent. Before Southgate took the Three Lions hot seat the percentage of eligible players was above 38 per cent and when the Premier League first began in 1993 the number was a whopping 71 per cent.

But boss Tuchel says that English players are not being overlooked, it is the clubs who are making the tough decisions: "It is competition. It is high level sport. The players have to fight their way to compete in the League. It is what it is. We have enough players to compete at a high level and they compete in the toughest League and they have to fight their way." And when asked if he's disappointed to see so few England players when he heads out on the road to watch matches, Tuchel added: "Yes, sometimes that happens. It is not frustrating. Of course I would love to see more English players. The more the better. But I come from club football and I know that no-one is holding anyone back. If anyone deserves to play, they will play so they have to fight for their place and I think they will. Quality will always find a way."

England secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Wales in a friendly at Wembley Stadium on Thursday. The win was another strong performance under Tuchel, who’s been building momentum towards the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions took control of the match early, with goals coming quickly in the first half from Morgan Rogers, Ollie Watkins and a stunner from Bukayo Saka. Despite the convincing win, Tuchel caused controversy by criticising the atmosphere generated by the home crowd at Wembley, stating that he could primarily hear the travelling Welsh supporters.

The build-up to England’s clash with Wales was dominated by key absences to the Three Lions squad. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Adam Wharton were all notable absentees. But Tuchel says there is plenty of time for them to return to the fold. Tuchel said: "The door is always open for anyone to jump in. Let's play a second game and then we decide. The nomination comes and then there is always an open door for top quality, top character. We are in October now so we go step-by-step. We can just acknowledge he (Morgan Rogers) did amazing, the team did amazing and he buys into that. He is a humble player. He is a physical player. And he is a very talented player, of course. And in a good way. We need more than just 11 at the moment."

And when asked if the team he selected to face Wales could play England’s opener at next summer World Cup, Tuchel said: "I am sorry but I don't follow that mindset. I am a football coach to coach the team that I nominate. And that is where my focus is. Let's cross the river when we are at the river. It does not help anyone if we think in bubbles about what can happen and about what cannot happen. We had the last one and a half days to influence the team and I am happy they responded in this way. I am a happy coach tonight. And on Saturday we keep on going."

England are next in action on Tuesday as the Three Lions face Latvia away from home. They will return to action in November, when they face Serbia at Wembley and Albania in Tirana.