England Squad announcement greeted with debate, surprise, and dissatisfaction.
By Will Price
It felt as though an England squad announcement had never been greeted with quite as much debate, surprise and dissatisfaction as Thomas Tuchel’s of a few weeks ago. So has the England Coach really got it that wrong?
The only section of the squad that has attracted almost no debate, are the goalkeepers. Jordan Pickford is an inevitable pick, supported strongly by Dean Henderson and James Trafford. As expected, Tuchel favourites Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi lead the options in central defence, with the experienced John Stones offering calmness and assurance in possession, despite an injury hit season. The absence of Harry Maguire has been met with significant scepticism, someone who offers all the same experience of Stones, as well as a unique set piece threat that can be so vital in knockout football. To a degree, I believe that the importance of Maguire in this England Team has been inflated off the back of this omission. He lacks the mobility of Konsa and Guehi, a mould which Jarell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen appears to fit into in reserve. Although this doesn’t explain Dan Burn’s selection… Maguire’s reaction to being left out, an emotional display of disappointment on social media, is perhaps also revealing. Tuchel emphasised more than anything in his press conference the idea of ‘Brotherhood,’ and a culture of high standards. You wonder if Maguire has suffered in this category.
In the fullback position, Reece James and Nico O’Reilly are terrific players who are primed to have a huge impact in North America. However, Tuchel has chosen to support them with Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, and Tottenham’s Djed Spence. It is truly baffling that Tuchel has overlooked Newcastle’s Lewis Hall here, not least for his inconsistent and regularly injured clubmate Livramento. Djed Spence is another curious selection. When asked to explain his inclusion, Tuchel pinpointed the fact he was the fastest player in the squad, and his unique qualities as a one-on-one defender. This circles back to this idea of player profile within the squad. Tuchel has overlooked the technical limitations of Spence, instead selecting the 25-year-old for a very specific purpose in his squad. But there comes a point where this framework must bend to include an outstanding player, and an injury to O’Reilly leaves Tuchel with a massive problem. It is worth mentioning Trent Alexander Arnold here too; the Real Madrid man’s exclusion comes as little shock after the last 12 months. But if specialists are required late in games, surely Trent’s exceptional passing skillset should be at the forefront of Tuchel’s thinking?
It felt as though an England squad announcement had never been greeted with quite as much debate, surprise and dissatisfaction as Thomas Tuchel’s of a few weeks ago. So has the England Coach really got it that wrong?
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are non-negotiables after fantastic seasons, and Kobbie Mainoo’s late resurgence for Manchester United gives him a hugely deserved call up, offering press resistance and calmness. Many point to Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton as deserving of Jordan Henderson’s spot in the squad, and from a technical point of view, it does seem harsh. Although again, we must ask the question, what is Tuchel really looking for in his 4th midfield spot? Is it a young player desperate to prove himself, adventurous on the ball with limited international experience? Or is it someone who is incredibly vocal, demanding of those around him, and experienced both internationally and domestically. Wharton’s time for England will come, he is too good for it not to. But for right here, right now, Henderson’s qualities, although less pleasing on the eye, are no less important to Tuchel’s squad.
Certain picks remain interesting
In the crucial attacking midfield role, Tuchel has chosen to support Jude Bellingham with Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze. They are direct and unmoving choices from Tuchel. There is no Foden and no Palmer, both not deemed to have done enough when given the chance. It is hard to make a case for their league form this season either. It is unthinkable a year ago, that this squad would not have included either of these special talents. Yet Tuchel doesn’t care about potential, or glimpses of magic. He wants impact, both physically and technically. Morgan Gibbs White, who has had a brilliant season for Nottingham Forest, can also count himself extremely unlucky.
In attack, Tuchel has been slightly more predictable, but certain picks remain interesting. Many predicted Jarrod Bowen to deputise for Bukayo Saka at right wing, but instead Tuchel has selected Arsenal’s Noni Madueke. Whilst he has not played as many games this season, his role as Arteta’s ‘impact sub’ has worked in his favour for the directness Tuchel is looking for in the latter stages of games. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon were expected selections on the left-hand side, providing speed and directness that complement Harry Kane perfectly. Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney provide the backup, Tuchel’s dismissal of the latter’s current residence in the Saudi Pro League very clear. He wants a finisher, a penalty taker, and composure in the most high-pressure moments.
This selection of Toney epitomises Tuchel’s entire squad. Outside noise, reputations, and past performance means very little to a coach that has been appointed by the FA to do one thing; win the World Cup. Time will tell as to whether this daring departure from expectation, will deliver success.
Image by Charles A.Pickup via Pexels
