'No one needs to be dropped' - Thomas Tuchel sends out message to England squad as he reveals talks with Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden ahead of World Cup qualifier with Latvia

The new England boss was quick to play down suggestions that he would be shuffling his team against Latvia amid calls for underperforming players to be switched out. Tuchel explained that he had spoken to Rashford and Foden this week in front of the group and told reporters that they understood the standards he expects of all of his England players. With both players having mixed campaigns this season, they will know they are under pressure to deliver soon.

In his press conference before their clash against Latvia, Tuchel said: "I've spoken to both of them, also in front of the group. They know that I appreciate the effort, especially off the ball.

"We can see in the numbers and when we watch the match again how much effort they put into defending high and into the counter-press, also in their sprinting numbers.

"At the moment, no one will be dropped from a performance point of view. We did what was needed. We can do better and have stuff to improve and we will focus on that. If we think some fresh legs can help then we're not shy to do it. But no one needs to be dropped because he's not good enough."

Foden and Rashford will know that competition for places in the squad, let alone the starting eleven, is tough. Foden's place on the right-flank will be under threat by Jarrod Bowen and first-choice right-winger Bukayo Saka, when the latter returns from injury, while Rashford will benefit from more playing time given Anthony Gordon's injury. Both have chances to show what they can do on Monday night against Latvia, but time in running out to prove they can be trusted by Tuchel going forward.

Tuchel will oversee his second game in charge against Latvia before his squad return to their respective clubs. He will get another chance to consider his options in June when they travel to Andorra and then host Senegal in a friendly.