Thomas Tuchel’s First England Squad Selection
As Thomas Tuchel prepares to announce his first England squad, he faces the challenging task of narrowing down a lengthy list of 55 players to just a select few. His choices will be crucial for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, setting the tone for what could be a transformative era for the national team.
With numerous injuries impacting player availability, Tuchel’s decisions may be somewhat guided. However, the significant question remains: how closely will he adhere to Gareth Southgate’s well-established core group of players? We anticipate some surprising inclusions when the squad is revealed on Friday. Below are eight potential candidates who could make the cut.
Reece James
While it may not come as a shock, given Tuchel’s previous success with him at Chelsea, Reece James’s selection would be noteworthy. The Chelsea captain has only seen five minutes of action for England since September 2022. Although he missed the recent match against Leicester due to illness, he has now returned to full fitness. His inclusion seems more justified compared to a call-up for Ben White, especially after White’s self-imposed exile from the squad. If James can stay fit, he has the potential to become a pivotal figure for Tuchel’s England.
Elliot Anderson
Having previously been called up by Scotland’s Steve Clarke in August 2023, Elliot Anderson has since committed to representing England but has yet to earn a senior cap. The central midfield slot appears to be among the most competitive positions within the squad. With Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham being the most dependable options, the choices beyond them present pros and cons. Conor Gallagher, while experienced, has not been a regular starter at Atletico Madrid and has made limited appearances under Tuchel at Chelsea. Others like Adam Wharton have just returned from injuries, while Kobbie Mainoo is unavailable, and Angel Gomes has struggled for playing time in Lille. Anderson, however, stands out with his excellent form, playing effectively in a double pivot for Nottingham Forest in a 4-2-3-1 setup. Including him in the squad could be a strategic move, especially to ensure he remains committed to England.
James Trafford
The goalkeeping position presents a wealth of options, albeit with few standout performers. Jordan Pickford’s long-standing role seems secure but is not without scrutiny, while Dean Henderson’s performances at Crystal Palace warrant consideration for a call-up. However, beyond them, the choices become murky. Aaron Ramsdale has been solid yet often finds himself behind a shaky defense, and Nick Pope has had his share of distribution woes. Sam Johnstone has not seen much action lately, leaving Trafford as a bright prospect. Having been part of the provisional Euro 2024 squad and winning the U21 Euro 2023 without conceding a goal, Trafford’s impressive record of 25 clean sheets in the Championship this season makes him a worthy candidate. His inclusion as a third goalkeeper could be a prudent investment in the future.
Djed Spence
Just a year ago, Djed Spence’s inclusion would have seemed far-fetched, but he has since emerged as one of Tottenham’s most reliable performers, demonstrating versatility across both flanks. With injuries and age taking a toll on England’s full-back options, this presents a significant opportunity for Spence. Other candidates for this role include two of Tuchel’s former Champions League winners: Reece James and Ben Chilwell.
Ethan Nwaneri
Although it may appear ambitious to consider Ethan Nwaneri given England’s wealth of attacking talent, the right-wing position is currently lacking depth. With Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injury and Phil Foden’s form declining, Nwaneri could be the ideal candidate to step in. Like Trafford, he represents a bright prospect for England’s future and these fixtures could serve as an excellent platform for him to acclimatize to the senior squad. While some may argue that it might be premature for him, Tuchel may view these matches as an opportunity to assess Nwaneri up close.
Danny Welbeck
Having last represented England at the 2018 World Cup, Danny Welbeck is enjoying a resurgence in form, currently amidst his most prolific scoring season since his Manchester United days. With seven goals and four assists in 17 Premier League starts, he is a valuable asset. Although he may find himself behind Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Liam Delap, and Dominic Solanke in the pecking order, his experience and familiarity with the national setup could make him a surprising addition to the squad.
Archie Gray
It may seem unusual to suggest that Archie Gray could feature in England’s midfield before he has fully established himself at Tottenham, but the potential is certainly there. Given the limited options available in defensive midfield, the 18-year-old’s maturity and versatility could prove invaluable to Tuchel’s plans in the long run.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
With Lewis Hall sidelined due to injury, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s inclusion appears likely in Tuchel’s initial squad. Although he is still developing and may have faced disciplinary challenges due to his age, his selection would make sense both in the short term, addressing the shortage of left-backs, and in the long term as a potential midfield option. His talent and growth promise to be beneficial for the national team.
