Ferguson Disagrees With Tuchel’s Spain Lineup Idea and Explains Why Cole Palmer Could Give Kane Better Support
Thomas Tuchel faces a major tactical challenge as England prepare for their UEFA Nations League meeting with Spain at Wembley. The build-up has been complicated by several withdrawals, including Cole Palmer, who has been ruled out with a minor muscular injury. Palmer had been recalled after a strong start to the season, but his absence means Tuchel must look elsewhere for creativity around Harry Kane. �
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A tactical debate has nevertheless emerged over how England should ideally support Kane, with Ferguson disagreeing with the type of attacking setup associated with Tuchel’s approach. The argument centres on whether Kane benefits most from direct runners around him or from having a creative player such as Palmer operating close to him.
Kane has long demonstrated that he is more than a conventional penalty-box striker. The England captain frequently drops into midfield, links play and brings teammates into attacking situations. Because of that, a creative No.10 playing between the lines could potentially complement his movement rather than simply competing for the same spaces.
Palmer fits that profile particularly well. His ability to receive possession between midfield and defence, carry the ball into dangerous areas and play the final pass would give Kane another player capable of creating chances through central areas.
During the 2026 World Cup, Tuchel left Palmer out of his squad, instead selecting attacking players who could provide greater pace and movement around Kane. Contemporary analysis noted that Tuchel had deliberately chosen a profile featuring runners who could move beyond the Bayern Munich striker. �
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That approach has its advantages. Against Spain, England may need players capable of stretching a high defensive line and attacking space behind the Spanish defence. However, Ferguson’s argument focuses on another problem: what happens when Spain defend deeper and England need someone to unlock a compact structure?
That is where Palmer’s qualities could become especially valuable. Rather than asking Kane to repeatedly drop deep to find possession, a player operating behind him could take responsibility for connecting midfield with attack. Kane could then spend more time in advanced positions, where his finishing and movement are most dangerous.
There is also a complementary relationship between the two players. Kane can draw centre-backs towards him when he moves away from the penalty area, potentially creating spaces for an attacking midfielder. Palmer, meanwhile, can exploit those spaces with intelligent movement or passes.
However, Palmer’s current absence makes the discussion theoretical for the Spain match. Tuchel confirmed that Palmer had missed the opportunity to impress him during this international camp, while England have turned their attention toward the players available. �
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England’s official squad list includes Kane but not Palmer, while Morgan Gibbs-White, Eberechi Eze, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers provide alternative attacking options. �
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Ultimately, the debate highlights an important tactical question for Tuchel: should England build around Kane’s ability to bring others into play, or surround him primarily with runners? Ferguson’s view places greater emphasis on creativity close to Kane, with Palmer representing a potential solution when available. For now, though, England must find another way to provide their captain with the service required against Spain.
