England have entered unchartered waters appointing a German in the dugout for the Three Lions, but in Thomas Tuchel they acquire a charismatic tactician well-acquainted to English football following a successful time at Chelsea.
Lee Carsley's interim reign has ended in style finishing atop of their UEFA Nations League group with a 5-0 second-half demolition of Ireland. In the four months prior to Tuchel's maiden England game at the helm will be a whirlpool of rumours and speculation on what life will be like under the former Bayern Munich head coach.
The biggest question which always quenches the thirst of England fans is team selection, the 51 year old will have an armoury of talent at his disposal unlike his predecessor Carsley who saw eight first team players drop of of his latest Nations League squad.
Where Carsley used his stint to give opportunity to his former U21 starlets such as Noni Madueke, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Angel Gomes; will Tuchel refer to experience or even re-unite the band back together from Cobham?
ruben loftus-cheek
AC Milan 28 years old
A creative central midfielder, Loftus-Cheek enjoyed his most fruitful spell at Chelsea under Tuchel and has only excelled further since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2022. It always felt that the academy graduate could not fulfil his potential while in South London because of inconsistent spells in and out of the team and injury problems. Last campaign, during his maiden season in Milan he scored 10 goals and it finally seemed that he unlocked his form infront of goal. England, have long searched for a impact player who is individual and Loftus-Cheek could be the answer with his powerful stature and yet dainty nimbleness with the feet at the ball. England fans under Southgate demanded a direct and purposeful attacking intent rather than the much condemned ponderous possession based style. Loftus-Cheek seems the perfect player to implement this around and while Tuchel knows his capabilities he has only grown since finding regular minutes for the Rosseneri.
FIKAYO TOMORI
AC Milan 26 years old
During a period under Southgate, where the three lions have been starved of outstanding centre-backs it is unthinkable that Fikayo Tomori remained out of contention. Under Southgate, it appeared the 26 year old was frozen out for playing in Serie A, with the likes of Lewis Dunk, Tyrone Mings and Connor Coady preferred because they played in the Premier League. Hopefully, a foreign manager in Tuchel, will be more confident to experiment and recognise talent outside of England more. Tomori won Milan their first Serie A in 11 years and has evolved into one of the best centre-backs in Italy since leaving Chelsea in 2021. While, their paths never crossed at Chelsea hopefully under Tuchel Tomori will be provided a clean slate to prove himself on the international stage.
ben chilwell
Chelsea 27yrs
The full-back's hopes of reclaiming a spot in the England squad are fading, given his exile under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea and the break-out form of Newcastle duo Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall. However, Tuchel won the Champions League with Chilwell at left-back and got the best of him in an attacking full-back role. If the German wants to bring in this tactic with five at the back, he might be eager to call upon an experienced player who he knows is well-adapted to his tactical instructions. The biggest problem the former Leicester City player faces is his lack of game time and fitness concerns. I don't think it would go down too well if Tuchel overlooked in-form players for someone who currently hasn't played a single minute in the Premier League. He may be accused of nepotism.
ben white
Arsenal 27yrs
While many England fans won't be excited to see the return of White, given he proclaims to disliking football, he is undoubtedly one of the best right-backs in the Premier League . The converted right-back refused to play for England under Gareth Southgate following an argument with Steve Holland in which he left England's World Cup camp in Qatar. Tuchel's reign offers a new dawn for White and despite the right-back position being over-subscribed with Alexander-Arnold, Walker, James and Trippier his versatility where he can play centre-back as well makes him an attractive option. Under Mikel Arteta he has mastered the overlapping full-back role and has the perfect balance of defensive solidity and attacking quality. Tuchel would be foolish to not consider giving him another chance in an England shirt.
raheem sterling
Arsenal (on loan) 29yrs
The Three Lions manager described landing Raheem Sterling at Chelsea as "super happy" with the winger seen as a primary target and perfect fit for Tuchel. His first season under the German was underwhelming and he was unable to replicate his goalscoring form seen at Manchester City, but Tuchel is a big admirer of his experience and tactical flexibility. Despite, his Chelsea career nose-diving with Enzo Maresca completely axing the four time Premier League champion from his squad over the summer, he at least secured a deadline day move to Arsenal on loan where he is getting consistent game time. It feels like football fans have quickly forgotten the quality of Raheem Sterling and if he can unlock his best form once again he will challenge players on the periphery of the England squad like former teammate Madueke. While, Tuchel admired the 29 year old at Chelsea it is going to be extremely hard to see him get ahead of the likes of Palmer, Saka and Maddison.
Written by Lewis Eadie
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