Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad selection has offered insights into his vision for the team. While he has blended experience with youth, concerns remain about midfield depth and whether his tactical approach can hold up in demanding conditions.
Rashford’s Recall Comes With a Warning
Marcus Rashford’s resurgence at Aston Villa has earned him a recall, but it comes with a caveat. Tuchel emphasized the importance of off-the-ball work, warning Rashford against falling into “old routines.” His return highlights England’s need for attacking pace, but consistency will be key to keeping his place.
Midfield Concerns Persist
England’s struggles in central midfield continue, with a lack of players who can dictate play at the highest level. Instead of prioritizing emerging talents like Adam Wharton or Angel Gomes, Tuchel has turned to the experienced Jordan Henderson, who will be 36 by the next World Cup. Declan Rice remains a mainstay, but he still lacks an established midfield partner.
Balance Between Winning and Development
Tuchel has opted for a squad built to win now while leaving room for young players to break through. Some notable omissions, such as Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson, suggest he is prioritizing proven experience. Veterans like Kyle Walker and Henderson provide leadership, but younger players have been challenged to force their way in.
Kane Needs Speed Around Him
Harry Kane’s deep-lying tendencies must be counterbalanced by pace on the flanks. Tuchel wants to prevent the striker from dropping too deep, ensuring he has runners making dynamic off-the-ball movements. Rashford’s inclusion suggests he could play a key role, potentially making him a better fit on the left than Phil Foden.
The Challenge of a High-Pressing Style
Tuchel is committed to a direct, high-pressing approach, emphasizing aggressive ball recoveries and increased touches in the opposition’s box. However, whether this style will be sustainable in the extreme temperatures of the 2026 World Cup, held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, remains a question. Tuchel acknowledged that adapting to different climates will be a challenge.
Reece James Returns as a Right-Back
Despite playing in midfield under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, Reece James returns to England as a right-back. Tuchel believes James is still best suited to full-back or wing-back roles but remains uncertain whether injuries have diminished his explosiveness. His performances in the coming matches will provide clarity on his fitness and effectiveness.
Limited Spots in Attack
Jack Grealish’s struggles have continued, leading to his omission. Despite Tuchel’s admiration for him, a lack of rhythm has kept him out. The competition for attacking spots remains fierce, with Callum Hudson-Odoi and James Maddison also missing out. Tuchel made it clear that only those performing at the highest level will be selected.
Myles Lewis-Skelly Fast-Tracked
With left-back options limited due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall, 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly has been fast-tracked into the senior squad. Although Tuchel considered allowing him to gain experience with the under-21s first, his quality made him impossible to ignore.
Versatility Valued
Tuchel has prioritized players who can operate in multiple positions. He has left the door open for a tactical shift between a back four and back five, with adaptable players like James and Lewis-Skelly playing key roles. The inclusion of Dan Burn highlights a preference for sturdy, multi-positional players. Tuchel is also exploring the possibility of reintegrating Ben White into the squad.
Toney’s International Future Not Over
Ivan Toney remains on Tuchel’s radar despite not being selected this time. Although Dominic Solanke was chosen as Kane’s backup, Tuchel intends to assess Toney’s performances in Saudi Arabia firsthand, emphasizing that his omission was a purely sporting decision.
Tuchel’s first squad selection reflects a mix of experience and promise. The focus on pressing, pace, and adaptability offers a glimpse into his long-term vision, but some key questions particularly around midfield stability and tactical viability in extreme conditions remain unanswered.
