Tuchel Approves ‘Bomb Squad’ Nickname for England’s Substitutes

Key Takeaways:

• England maintained their perfect World Cup qualifying record with a 2-0 victory over Serbia at Wembley
• Substitutes Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Eberechi Eze made significant second-half impacts, prompting Thomas Tuchel’s approval of the “bomb squad” nickname
• England have now secured seven wins from seven, scoring 20 goals without conceding, and will face Albania in their final qualifier

Bench Power Transforms England’s Performance

Thomas Tuchel has wholeheartedly embraced the concept of England’s substitutes as the “bomb squad” following their critical role in securing a 2-0 triumph against Serbia at Wembley. Despite not being named in the starting eleven, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Eberechi Eze all entered the fray to decisive effect, underlining Tuchel’s emphasis on collective strength and harmony over individual stardom.

The bomb squad?💣

I think Thomas Tuchel has found the nickname for his impact substitutes off the bench💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/fq7YsofVk0

— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) November 13, 2025

England’s qualifying campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary, with another efficient and controlled display yielding a clean sheet and extending a historic run. Bukayo Saka’s superb volley broke the deadlock, but it was the second-half introduction of Bellingham, Foden, and Eze that reinvigorated proceedings. Their energy and technical skill pressed Serbia further, culminating in Eze’s stunning late finish which ultimately sealed the win.

Tactical Flexibility Key for Unbeaten Streak

The outcome on Saturday extends England’s record to seven victories out of seven in this World Cup qualifying cycle, with an impressive tally of 20 goals scored and zero conceded. No other European nation has advanced through qualifying with a 100% record and a perfect defensive slate at this stage of the campaign. This performance also reflected the adaptability and unity Tuchel has demanded since taking charge in January, with every player required to remain both physically and mentally ready to contribute.

Facing a resolute Serbian side set on frustrating the hosts, the introduction of England’s bench injected much-needed dynamism, intensity, and precision to break through for a decisive second score.

Tuchel Welcomes ‘Bomb Squad’ Moniker

Addressing the media post-match, Tuchel was asked whether the nickname adopted by the South African rugby team for their replacements might suit England. He responded: “I have not named it in a different way but I kind of like it. I like bomb squad a bit more than finisher.”

Explaining his squad management philosophy, Tuchel said: “That’s the nature of this game. The possibility that we go to Albania (on Sunday) and start with 11 and finish with the same 11 goes to zero, and even more so in a tournament. This is not about building a starting 11, it’s about building a team.”

Tuchel further credited his squad’s attitude: “They’re all big players in their club, they’re all used to playing, they’re all disappointed. Everyone. This is normal. But they buy into this idea of building a team and this is what we want, this is what we need. There is no other way around it.

“Only if we’re a strong group who can put the ego behind (them), who can put the disappointment behind, and then contribute and give the coach a headache what to do in the next match, that’s the only way. I like it because it’s natural for this team. The atmosphere after the matches, during the matches is the right energy and I think everyone is treating everyone with respect. The ones on the pitch know that they can rely on everyone who comes from the bench to finish the game. You could see the impact today, and it has to stay like this. We just need everybody fully involved, especially mentally to accept the decision of the match day and then to continue.”

Defensive Excellence and Individual Impact

England’s clean sheet against Serbia marked another milestone in what has so far been an impeccable defensive campaign under Tuchel. Jordan Pickford now has ten consecutive shutouts in competitive fixtures, aided by Ekri Konsa, John Stones, and Declan Rice, who all delivered key interventions during periods of Serbian pressure.

Jude Bellingham, making his first international appearance since June, re-entered the fold from the bench in the second half, combining boldly with Reece James and Foden. His energy from midfield supported England’s pressing and attacking flow in the latter stages.

Phil Foden was deployed as a false nine – a nuanced tactical move orchestrated by Tuchel long in advance – and his intelligent movement created critical openings on the right. Working in tandem with Saka and James, Foden’s presence facilitated Eze’s late goal, further amplifying the case for flexible attacking options.

Final Test Looms as Albania Await

England are now set to travel to Albania for their concluding World Cup qualifier, seeking to complete a flawless campaign. Tuchel may continue to evaluate his squad options, balancing opportunities for match fitness and experimentation with tactical setups ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With attackers such as Eze, Foden, Palmer, and Bellingham all competing for advanced roles, England’s impressive depth will be pivotal as competition for selection intensifies.

The manager has reiterated the necessity of harnessing strength in depth and adaptability as the Three Lions prepare for their final qualifying hurdle.