3 Players Who Could Get a Chance in Tuchel’s England
Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel will announce his first England squad tomorrow, as he begins his quest to win a first major tournament with the nation since 1966.
Under Gareth Southgate, the Three Lions went to two finals and came within penalties of finally lifting a trophy. Southgate was praised for restoring pride in the national side, and creating squad cohesion like no other England manager has before yet was criticised for tactical decision at key points in games.
The FA, like most England fans, are desperate not to waste a window of talent, and get that trophy, so they went in hunt of a coaching name that has graced the top of the game. In the end, Tuchel fell into their lap and was intrigued by the prospect.
After beginning his tenure in January, this week the German will name his first squad. Whilst the likes of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are obvious choices, here’s three players who have limited to no caps, who could get a look in under the former Chelsea boss.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Morgan Gibbs-White
Nottingham Forest have been on fire this season. The former European Cup winners sit third in the table, holding the likes of Arsenal, whilst beating current champions Manchester City and the champions-elect, Liverpool.
A big part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side has been Morgan Gibbs-White. An ever present I the Forest midfield, he has been key in creating chances for those around him, alongside contributing five goals, matching his best Premier League total.
The attacking midfielder made two appearances for the national side last campaign but plays in a position full of talent for England. Tuchel favoured Mason Mount in his Chelsea side due to his versatility, the 25-year-old could fit that mould. With Cole Palmer and Phil Foden falling off the boil, this window is perfect to give Gibbs-White a deserved call up.
Jamie Gittens
Jamie Gittens
An ever-present in England’s U21 side, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens has flirted with a senior call up for some time but has seriously found form this season.
This campaign Gittens has become a regular for BVB, registering his best ever goals tally with 11 in all competitions so far, alongside three assists. In the Bundesliga, the winger ranks in the top 12% for goals per 90, top 8% for shots per 90 and top 20% for expected assists per 90. Statistically, the 20-year-old is the best dribbler in the Bundesliga this season.
Tuchel has often utilised width from deep, Gittens can play anywhere down the left-hand side. It’s this versatility that could see him become a favourite, should he be given a chance. Gittens has been due a chance at senior level, injuries to the likes of Bukayo Saka and the poor form of Palmer mean there is no better chance to give him a shot.
Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers
There’s only so long you can ignore this player. Morgan Rogers has really burst onto the top-flight seen after his move to Aston Villa from Middlesbrough last January. Formerly playing out-wide, Rogers has been transformed into a more central attacking midfielder in the last couple of seasons and has seen his rise accelerated.
Like Gibbs-White, Rogers gained two caps last campaign, as he became a regular in Unai Emery’s high-flying team. Since his Premier League debut last year, the 22-year-old has lit up this Villa team, registering 12 goals and seven assists so far.
The former West Bromwich Albion youth product has been on England’s fans lips for some time, and like Gibbs-White, could be at the blessing of others misfortune. Rogers in the England squad feels a matter of time, with others out, now is a great time to get him in and find where he fits as the Three Lions continue to get younger in this new era.
Some honourable mentions go to Elliot Anderson, a key part of Nottingham Forest’s midfield and a player who has gone from strength to strength since his move from Newcastle United. Myles Lewis-Skelly, more likely to go to the U21s, has settled in Arsenal’s first team and with England’s current issues at full-back, could be one to watch. Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap could be the heir to Kane’s throne as his physical attributes match his counterparts, his goalscoring this season could sneak him in, with other England forwards failing to find form.
One thing that will be interesting to see is how Tuchel views players who play abroad, Southgate tended to vote against calling up the likes of Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori, could that change in this new era.
Tuchel’s first England squad is due to be announced tomorrow, Friday 14th March.
