Top News

Ian Wright urges Thomas Tuchel to use surprising England option to overcome scoring woes
Rohan Mehta | June 28, 2026 3:00 PM CST

Ian Wright has identified the England player he believes could make the crucial difference, as the Three Lions face difficulties breaking down Panama.


Thomas Tuchel’s England side are enduring a second consecutive goalless draw, heading into half-time against Panama without finding the net.


The Three Lions have shown little of the dominance expected from World Cup contenders since their opening triumph over Croatia.


Following a thrilling, high-tempo second half against Luka Modric’s Croatia, England have now gone 135 minutes without scoring. The question remains: how can they change that against Panama after the interval?


In their opening match against Croatia—who currently lead Ghana 1-0 and are favourites to top Group L—England struck twice in each half.


However, Tuchel’s men have struggled to dismantle defensive setups, often referred to as low-blocks. Calls for “patience” from pundits and coaching staff have done little to mask their failure to create clear-cut chances consistently.


Across their last 135 minutes of football, England have averaged a meagre 0.06 expected goals (xG) per shot, managing 28 attempts without scoring once.


Analysing England’s “lack of quality” at this World Cup, Ian Wright suggested an unexpected player who could inject the spark Tuchel’s team desperately need.


“I’d like to see someone like Ivan Toney. We need a player who can hold the ball up front and do more than just swing it in aimlessly,” Wright commented.


Gary Neville echoed this view, pointing out that England’s current setup is more suited to facing top-tier teams rather than defensive underdogs who thrive on counter-attacks.


“We’re struggling badly to break them down. Tuchel might have to switch to two strikers—Toney alongside Kane—after the break,” admitted Neville.


As the second half begins, England sit second in Group L and are desperate for a goal—and perhaps a tactical reshuffle—to reclaim control of their World Cup campaign.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK