Analysing Thomas Tuchel’s First England Squad
Jordan Henderson
Thomas Tuchel announced his first England squad today since taking over the job in January. As is always the case with Three Lion’s squads there was some notable inclusions and of course exclusions. Let’s break down the big points.
GK: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale, Trafford
DEF: Guehi, James, Colwill, Konsa, Livramento, Quansah, Burn, Walker, Lewis-Skelly
MID: Bellingham, Eze, Henderson, Jones, Palmer, Rice, Rogers
FWR: Gordon, Bowen, Foden, Rashford, Solanke, Kane
Jordan Henderson the Big Recall
Jordan Henderson finds himself part of the England setup for the first time late 2023, as he becomes a major part of Ajax’s rebuild, it appears that he is of England’s too. Whilst 34-year-old Henderson comes in with question marks over his quality, Tuchel seems to believe he has more to bring to the table than with just his feet.
"What he brings every time is leadership, character, personality and energy. He makes sure everyone lives by the standards and with character. He embodies everything we are trying to build." Tuchel via BBC Sport.
Following on from the announcement, Tuchel called Henderson a “serial winner”, stating he embodies everything he wants from the squad. England themselves are in win now mode, and with next years World Cup on the horizon, maybe Tuchel believes a leader like Henderson is key to keeping this group together in tournament football.
Other recalls include Marcus Rashford, who has impressed since leaving Manchester United for Aston Villa, his inclusion isn’t all that surprising. Kyle Walker returns, but this only mirrors the likes of Henderson and his experience in the national team.
Dan Burn could also be looked at as a surprise, yet the defender has been an ever-present at Newcastle United for the last two seasons, being huge in Eddie Howes team. If he makes an appearance, he will be he oldest player to earn his first cap since Kevin Davies in 2010.
Time is Crucial
This squad almost embodies the fact that Tuchel does not have much time to fine tune a team, and also the fact the FA expect him to succeed. Whilst there is inclusions for Myles Lewis-Skelly and Morgan Rogers, there is no place for the likes of Harvey Elliott and Adam Wharton.
Whilst Tuchel may chop and change in the next few windows, it is clear he is after quality now and will not use the little time he has available to nurture youngsters, instead his focus is on creating the best squad for England to win.
Any Favourites?
Some will question the inclusion of Reece James and Levi Colwill. Both were players under Tuchel from his time at Chelsea, and neither have really found a place in the England setup.
James has a horrid injury record but has managed to play a number of games recently. Enough to get into the England squad? Apparently. Colwill has been a staple part of the Chelsea squad this season, but some fans will argue Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has impressed more. It could be compared to Gareth Southgate’s infatuation with Harry Maguire, despite the player often lacking form. Maguire himself is not included.
Time will tell just how Tuchel’s England and this squad turn out. What is clear, is that the German is not here to waste time. There was no space for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Djed Spence, all players who are in form, but lack experience at the senior international level. Spots without prior experience, seem hard to come by.
