New Era for England: Thomas Tuchel’s First Squad Selection
As the new manager of the England national football team, Thomas Tuchel faces the unique challenge of managing a squad where every decision is scrutinized and debated. One of his first tasks has been to announce his squad, which will pave the way for future competitions, including the much-anticipated World Cup in 2026 to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Tuchel acknowledges that every player he selects has a chance to make it to that prestigious tournament, but opinions on his choices are bound to vary. In this piece, we will explore three players who arguably should not have made the cut and three who might have deserved a spot in the squad.
In: Jordan Henderson
The inclusion of Jordan Henderson at 34 years old was undoubtedly one of the most talked-about selections. Having recently transferred from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, Henderson did not even make the preliminary squad for Euro 2024, which raised eyebrows. After a stint with Al-Ettifaq that only saw him make 19 appearances, he joined Ajax, where he quickly became the captain of a team that is currently dominating the Eredivisie.
Tuchel expressed his confidence in Henderson, stating, “He embodies everything we want from this team.” His wealth of experience cannot be overlooked; with 81 caps and appearances in six major tournaments for England, his leadership could be invaluable even though he last played for England in a match against Malta at Wembley in November 2023.
Out: Morgan Gibbs-White
In contrast, the absence of Morgan Gibbs-White from the 26-man squad is noteworthy, especially given the impressive performance of Nottingham Forest, who are currently third in the Premier League. Under Gareth Southgate, the national team has moved away from club-centric selections, but it feels like Gibbs-White could have added a much-needed dynamism to the squad.
Tuchel aims to implement a more direct and attacking style of play, and Gibbs-White’s natural abilities would fit seamlessly into this plan. His successful run under Nuno Espirito Santo at Forest demonstrated the kind of intensity Tuchel is looking to introduce.
In: Aaron Ramsdale
Another surprising inclusion is Aaron Ramsdale, who finds himself in a challenging position as the goalkeeper for the Premier League’s bottom-placed team, Southampton. Despite the struggles of his club, Ramsdale has shown consistent promise. He is not merely a relic of the past with only five international caps to his name, and his last appearance for England was a defeat against Iceland at Wembley.
Given the form of competitors like James Trafford, Ramsdale’s selection is intriguing as he navigates his role among four goalkeepers vying for a starting position.
England Squad Overview
The full squad selected by Tuchel is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)
- Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Manchester City)
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
- Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, on loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)
Out: Ethan Nwaneri
Young star Ethan Nwaneri was expected by some to celebrate his upcoming 18th birthday with an England debut, particularly given the alignment of his birthday with the clash against Albania at Wembley. His omission from the squad means he will miss out on the chance to become one of the youngest players to ever represent England.
Tuchel has expressed a desire to inject more energy into the team, and anyone who witnessed Nwaneri’s recent standout performance against PSV would agree he could have provided that spark. However, Tuchel’s decision to select his Arsenal teammate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is a year older, reflects a cautious approach to player development. “It feels a little bit like we fast forward a career that is already on a fast pace,” Tuchel remarked, indicating a protective stance towards younger players.
In: Kyle Walker
Lastly, the inclusion of Kyle Walker demonstrates that despite the shift in management, familiarity remains a key component of the squad. Tuchel could have opted for a completely new lineup to distinguish from Gareth Southgate’s era, but Walker’s selection indicates a blend of experience and established talent.
While Tuchel has been tight-lipped about his tactical preferences—whether to employ a back five or a traditional back four—Walker’s versatility as a right-sided defender provides him with options. His past speed and agility are assets, though concerns linger regarding his current pace at 34 years old, especially after his recent loan to AC Milan.
