Thomas Tuchel will be counting down the days until the World Cup.

It is already less than 250 until the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada kicks off on Thursday, June 11. And making it seem even closer, the draw is on Friday, December 5, in Washington when England will discover their opponents and potential path.

What must be a concern for Tuchel is - by my calculation - has only FIVE absolute nailed-on starters for England’s starting XI. They are: Jordan Pickford, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane. That leaves one hell of a scrap for positions over the next eight months with time - and games - running out for players to win their place.

England face Wales on Thursday, they go to Latvia next week and then have Serbia and Albani next month and two friendlies next March. They are the only games before Tuchel picks his squad for the United States and SIX players will have to nail down their place by then.

Pickford is way ahead of James Trafford and maybe Dean Henderson should be his closest challenger. But the Everton keeper is No1.

Reece James is the leader in the club house for right back way ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold who has been laid low by injuries at Real Madrid. But James - who is a firm Tuchel favourite - is a worry because of his injuries and he has pulled out of this squad.

Let’s be clear. If John Stones is fit, then he has to play. What a great player. A brilliant influence and defender. But again, Ezri Konsa is a contender and Stones is not a shoo-in because of injuries. Who is at left back? Tino Livramento is now injured. Myles Lewis-Skelly should be the obvious pick but is not playing for Arsenal. What about Dan Burn? He is as close as anyone to being a Tuchel favourite - but where? He will play at this World Cup. Make no mistake.

In midfield, Rice is an untouchable. But the vibe is that Tuchel wants a No6 to allow Rice to go and roam. Elliot Anderson is the man in possession. Surely, Jude Bellingham plays in midfield. He is an absolute must. England’s best player by a mile. A generational talent.

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But it would be naive to suggest that there is not a worry over him and a guaranteed starting place. He must be in. Morgan Rogers is the big shout as a Tuchel favourite.

Saka is just such a great player. Brilliant for club and country. Stitched on for the right wing - even if had Noni Madueke been fit this time, he might not have made this squad.

Then Kane up front. Well, he’s untouchable - and brilliant. He is such a great captain and England player. If he’s not there, then England will have a problem.

Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford will scrap it out for a place on the left. Cole Palmer is a special player. But it’s hard to make a case for him to be a definite starter. The same goes for Phil Foden. He should be, but there’s a doubt.

There are so many issues to solve… and already the clock is ticking.

My England: Pickford; James, Stones, Guehi, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Rashford, Kane.

Tuchel XI: Pickford; James, Konsa, Guehi, Burn; Anderson, Rice, Rogers; Saka, Rashford, Kane.

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