Who makes the cut for Tuchel’s next England squad? With crucial World Cup qualifiers looming, the England boss has some serious thinking to do. From rising stars to returning veterans, every decision matters. We break down the biggest dilemmas facing Thomas Tuchel. What are your predictions for the final list?
England manager Thomas Tuchel stands at a pivotal juncture, grappling with a myriad of challenging decisions as he prepares to unveil his first squad since the unsettling doubleheader in June. The upcoming selection is not merely a formality but a critical strategic move, laying the groundwork for the nation’s aspirations on the road to next summer’s World Cup.
The immediate focus for the Three Lions is on the crucial World Cup qualifiers set to unfold in September. England will first host Andorra at Villa Park on September 6, a match expected to secure vital points, before journeying to Belgrade for a high-stakes encounter against Serbia on September 9. These fixtures are paramount for solidifying their position at the top of Group K.
Reflecting on previous performances, Tuchel’s tenure has seen England top Group K, following a pair of Wembley victories in March and a subsequent win against 173rd-ranked Andorra in Barcelona in June. However, that latter fixture, a lacklustre 1-0 triumph, was met with a chorus of boos, indicating the demanding expectations placed upon the team and highlighting areas for improvement.
As Tuchel prepares to address the media, the landscape of potential call-ups is bustling with intrigue. While James Maddison’s hopes for an England recall have unfortunately been dashed by an ACL injury, a host of other talents are vying for a coveted spot. Notable names on Tuchel’s radar include Jack Grealish, whose promising start on loan at Everton has caught the manager’s eye, and John Stones, who is fit again after an injury layoff since October.
The next generation of English football is also knocking loudly on the door. Members of England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros squad, such as Elliot Anderson, Harvey Elliott, and Tino Livramento, are firmly in consideration. Alongside them, emerging talents like Adam Wharton and Liam Delap are being closely monitored, showcasing the depth of talent available to the England squad.
Furthermore, several key players are pushing for a return after their absences in June. Marcus Rashford, Marc Guehi, Ollie Watkins, and Phil Foden are all keen to be involved. Similarly, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Mason Mount, who previously tasted Champions League glory under Tuchel at Chelsea, are strong contenders to reclaim their places, adding experience and quality to the mix.
Tuchel also faces difficult decisions regarding seasoned campaigners. Kyle Walker, who experienced a challenging match against Senegal and has since made a move to promoted Burnley, presents a complex choice. Similarly, Jordan Henderson, another 35-year-old, has switched clubs, returning to the Premier League with Brentford, prompting careful consideration of his role.
Conversely, Ivan Toney, who was a surprise inclusion in June but only featured for a few minutes against Senegal, appears unlikely to earn another call-up this time around. Tuchel’s final selection will undoubtedly spark widespread debate and set the tone for England’s World Cup qualification journey.
