Thomas Tuchel will lead England into the 2026 World Cup with a squad many believe can lift the trophy. The Three Lions boast world-class talents like Declan Rice, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka.
All three could find themselves in the Ballon d’Or conversation if England goes deep in the tournament.
Yet even with such firepower, Tuchel admits there is room for improvement.
In a 2025 interview with talkSPORT, someone asked the German coach a simple question: which one player from any nation would he add to his England team?
Tuchel hesitated at first. Then he gave his answer: Rodri.
“Rodri… but not injured,” he added with a smile.
The Manchester City midfielder won the 2024 Ballon d’Or after a stunning year. He scored the winning goal in City’s Champions League final against Inter Milan during their historic treble-winning season.
He then captained Spain to European Championship glory in 2024, beating Gareth Southgate’s England in the final.
However, Rodri’s 2024-25 season took a cruel turn. Shortly after claiming football’s biggest individual prize, he suffered an ACL injury that ruled him out for almost the entire campaign.
Manchester City struggled without their midfield metronome — proof of his immense value.
Before that painful Euro 2024 final loss, a reporter asked Rodri which England player concerned him most. He named his City teammate Phil Foden.
“I love Phil Foden because I know him,” Rodri said.
“He has an innate ability to move in a small space. We have to keep him under control.”
Tuchel clearly shares Rodri’s appreciation for talent. But if he could swap one player’s nationality, the German would take the Spanish anchor without hesitation.
England fans can only wonder what might be possible with Rodri sitting in front of their defense.
