Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , England hero Emile Heskey has given his thoughts on Thomas Tuchel 's side and their bid for World Cup glory this summer.
The former Three Lions star has hailed Jude Bellingham as the team's talisman, backed Harry Kane in the race for the Golden Boot , and praised Thomas Tuchel 's knack for making the right calls from the bench.
The ex- Liverpool and Aston Villa man has also assessed the red card decision against Mexico , the loss of Jordan Henderson , and whether Manchester City have overpaid to sign Elliot Anderson .
England's Talisman
Reaction to England vs Mexico?
It was a crazy match; there was a lot of worry regarding the high altitude. Everyone was wondering if the players could handle it or if they would be tired, but they came out of the traps phenomenally. It didn't look like the altitude bothered them at all. They did really well, even though Mexico had the lion's share of possession.
Mexico didn't really bother us. There were a couple of chances, but I think we matched them in every way. We got our goals; Jude Bellingham 's were against the run of play. Declan Rice made a great charge upfield and played it into Bukayo Saka , who crossed it for Jude to get into the box, as he often does. He has shown in this tournament that he is the one who can really galvanise the team and get us winning. He is the spark.
Was There Really a Debate Over Bellingham?
The debate over Jude Bellingham ? There will always be debates about players. There are claims about him being arrogant, a nuisance, or people in the squad not liking him. I don't see that, although we aren't privy to the day-to-day environment. One thing you can say is that he's a superstar.
He knows how to grab a game by the scruff of the neck and win it. He's phenomenal. To think he's only 23 is incredible. It's remarkable that we look toward a 23-year-old to be the talisman who gets the team out of sticky situations.
Kane's Golden Boot and Ballon d'Or Chances?
Harry Kane has reinvented himself. He plays a little differently now, but is still managing to turn up with goals. While his recent goal was a penalty, you still have to dispatch it. He's been phenomenal, leading from the front by chasing back and tackling. He produced a typical forward's tackle inside the box, but he's back there trying to do his bit. He's a brilliant captain and an amazing leader.
He is focused on the World Cup Golden Boot . I predicted Kane at the beginning of the tournament; I might go with Kylian Mbappe now. Having said that, can Kane get a couple against Norway ? Definitely. I'd go with him as the first goalscorer for that match.
Defensive Questions
What Did You Make of the Red Card Decision?
I'm certain it was a fair decision, but Jarrell Quansah didn't necessarily need to make the challenge like that. His momentum was taking him into the challenge, and he could have won the ball fairly anyway. I think he just wanted to make it a little tougher for the opponent, so they knew he was there.
You make tackles like that every now and again to ensure people know it won't be an easy day for them, but I think he overdid it. It was 100% a red card.
Was It a Mistake Not to Bring Trent?
Right-back is a difficult position for us right now. Even when Djed Spence came on, I wasn't in awe of the performance. In one-on-one defending, the opponent took him on a couple of times and got crosses in. He needs to look back at that and figure out how to stop it, because you can't allow that in the next round with Erling Haaland in the box. The chances that Raul Jimenez had would be in the back of the net with Haaland .
Could Watkins or Toney Be a Secret Weapon?
I thought this was a game set up for Ivan Toney to hold the ball up, buy a foul, and move us up the pitch. However, Jude Bellingham was amazing up front, bringing the ball down, winning challenges, and running everywhere. He was brilliant.
It complemented the team well when Morgan Rogers came on just behind him. You have to accept the tactical shift, but I still think there is a place for Watkins or Toney to come in later on.
Tuchel's Calls
Are Tuchel's Decisions the Making of a World Cup Winner?
You have to be very aware of the personnel and the timing of substitutions, and Thomas Tuchel always seems to get it right. I thought Morgan Rogers did well and gave the team an energy boost. Dan Burn also performed well.
Burn handled the balls coming into the box so well. He's 6'7", so he was getting onto everything. You have to take your hat off to Tuchel ; he's done a fantastic job picking the right times to bring specific players on. They might not be the players the fans want to see, like Toney or Watkins , but he's bringing on the right players to see out the game.
How Big a Miss Is Henderson?
Jordan Henderson was never going to get many minutes, but he's there to bring the team together and knit that bonding. His injury was a freak accident while jumping over the advertising boards. I'm guessing his hand slipped, and he just fell. It's sad, but he's definitely someone you want to keep around as we enter the business end of the tournament.
We have Kobbie Mainoo as well. Jordan Henderson only came on in one game, and Kobbie could have done exactly the same. Kobbie is 21, and he has the ability to break the lines with his passing. We have him, so I don't think there's a major problem.
Have Man City Overpaid on Elliot Anderson?
I can see why Manchester City signed Elliot Anderson for any fee necessary. It's not just based on this tournament. Against Mexico , I thought he got caught a couple of times in midfield, but they were working hard.
He had a really solid game. He and Declan Rice are forming a partnership in the middle of the park for England , which makes us look quite solid. You can see why City spent that money. You're worth what anyone is willing to pay. You can't really compare specific valuations; it simply comes down to what a club is willing to pay. I think he'll take it in his stride.
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