Thomas Tuchel has most of his World Cup starting XI nailed down. But one position - above every other on the pitch - remains a major issue.

Incredibly, England have used 10 different left backs in their last 17 games dating back to the Euro 2024 semi-final against Holland. That is why this camp - and another test against Albania on Sunday - could be so important for one of the contenders to put themselves in pole position.

One of the biggest takeaways from England’s win over Serbia at Wembley on Thursday night was the performance of Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly. The 20-year-old was hugely impressive as he looks big and strong, is good on the ball and was aggressive going forward as well as being solid in defence.

There is such an opportunity now for a player who only made his Premier League debut with City as recently as January. And now he could find himself with a real chance of starting in next summer’s World Cup because if he is playing at the highest level with City - then he has to be in pole position.

Kieran Trippier played that game against Holland last year but has subsequently retired. Luke Shaw played the final but is clearly not in Tuchel’s thoughts because the Manchester United defender has played well enough to get a recall.

READ MORE: Man Utd starlet scores for England as clear message sent after Thomas Tuchel decision

READ MORE: Mason Greenwood 'obsessed' with getting England call-up as training camp actions explained

Then Levi Colwill, Trent Alexander-Arnold (on the other side), Lewis Hall, Rico Lewis, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Djed Spence and Tino Livramento have also had a go. Some have been hit by injury - namely Livramento - while Lewis-Skelly has lost his starting place at Arsenal and it is hard to justify his place in an England squad.

At no point - as some Arsenal fans seem to be suggesting - has Tuchel told him to move in January. It’s just an age-old problem. You have to be starting games to play for England.

That’s been the case for many players down the years. Lewis-Skelly is still only 19 and could get game time to force his way back into contention with his powerful runs and fearless attitude.

Who should be England's left-back at the World Cup? Let us know your pick in the comments section.

Tottenham defender Spence may actually be a better left back than on his natural right side because he has made a signature move of cutting back inside and then putting over a dangerous cross. Maybe he will get a chance between now and next summer to put in his case, especially as his versatility means he is a good player to have in the squad.

But O’Reilly is doing enough right now to suggest that he could be the solution. Tuchel described him as being very shy but he was brave and bold in his play. And for England, another clean sheet in a perfect 100 percent record in this qualifying campaign shows the defence is incredibly strong. But full-backs are a lot more than just defenders in Tuchel’s system.

He wants them to be marauding, overlapping and strong. O’Reilly showed those qualities against Serbia and, with just three more games - Albania and two friendlies next March - before the World Cup squad is named - he is in a great position to solve England’s problem area.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.