Paul Scholes has criticised Thomas Tuchel for deploying Jude Bellingham as a no10, insisting the Real Madrid star should play deeper in midfield. The Manchester United legend also questioned Tuchel's starting XI after England's goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday.
England struggle against Ghana
England laboured to a 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston, struggling to create clear chances against a dogged defence. The invention and guile shown against Croatia were absent. Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice continued in midfield, appearing to be Tuchel's first-choice pairing, with Kobbie Mainoo waiting on the bench.
Bellingham has started as the no10 ahead of Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, and has been England's best player across two games. However, Scholes believes the role does not suit him.
Scholes: Bellingham is a no8, not a no10
Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football, Scholes said: 'The midfield just isn't right. In a game like that when you are going to have a lot of the ball, you do not need Rice and Anderson together. I wouldn't be surprised if he did change it against Panama on Saturday.'
'Bellingham is not a no10. He is a no8 who can run. A no10 gets your team playing really good football. That's not Bellingham. They do bits of magic around the box and that's not Bellingham. He's got to be arriving in the box late, and he's good enough on the ball to be able to do that.'
Scholes added: 'I think he'll wake up this morning thinking 'I picked the wrong team last night.' He picked the wrong team.'
Tuchel's selection under scrutiny
The draw with Ghana has raised questions about Tuchel's best XI. England face Panama on Saturday, and Scholes expects changes, particularly in midfield. The combination of Rice and Anderson was deemed too conservative against a low block.
England's next match will be crucial as they seek to secure progression in the World Cup. Tuchel faces pressure to find the right balance in midfield to unlock defences.
