Thomas Tuchel has emerged as the latest candidate to try lead England to success after Gareth Southgate’s departure in the summer.
The former Bayern Munich man has been out of work since he left the Bundesliga side in June. He’s been named as a potential replacement for under-fire manager Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, but could now return to England on the international stage amid reports of “advanced negotiations” with the English FA.
But how would the ex-Chelsea manager handle England’s national team? Here’s how Tuchel could line up the squad.
While there are a few options of goalkeepers who could take Jordan Pickford’s spot, the Everton man would likely remain between the sticks with Tuchel in charge.
He’s proven his worth on numerous occasions, and although he can sometimes get caught out when his side choose to play from the back, Pickford remains a senior, mature character in defence who’s able to conduct his backline and guide his team.
You’re safe for now, Pickford!
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi was arguably England’s most impressive asset during their Euro 2024 charge in Germany and would earn himself a spot in Tuchel’s squad too.
The former Chelsea boss has excelled with a back-three previously, and so we’ve chosen to honour that tactic in our lineup to name Guehi as our first centre-back. His leadership skills would allow him to thrive in a three-man system, while his physical attributes make him an impenetrable defender.
Keep an eye out for Trevoh Chalobah, however. Tuchel loved the 25-year-old at Chelsea and even wanted him at Bayern.
Joining Guehi in defence is Manchester City star John Stones.
Stones has remained a constant option for England for quite some time. His talent and presence on the pitch make him a feared member of the Three Lions squad – something that Tuchel would undoubedtly aspire to utilise.
Stones’ ability to play in a more advanced role would also help his England case. The team are desperate to unlock more creative, free-flowing football and Stones is the man for the job.
Welcome Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, you’ve earned your spot in this side.
Colwill has cemented his place in England’s squad recently, featuring in UEFA Nations League clashes against the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece. The 21-year-old has found his feet in Chelsea’s squad also, playing every minute of their Premier League campaign so far.
He’d work well with Stones in the middle, utilising the more senior defender to develop into his position at the back. Tuchel would be keen to get Colwill more minutes in a Three Lions shirt.
Reece James produced the best football of his career under Tuchel, establishing himself as a marauding, goalscoring wing-back as he forced his way into conversations about the best defenders on the planet.
Injuries haven’t helped Chelsea’s captain, but James’ pre-existing relationship with Tuchel should see him waltz into this team if he’s fit enough to do so.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the obvious deputy, with the Liverpool man undoubtedly a threat of his own going forwards.
Arsenal’s Declan Rice keeps his spot in the centre of midfield – there’s no question about that. Tuchel wanted Rice at Chelsea and was even said to have tried to lure the Englishman over to Bayern with him before Arsenal swooped in.
Rice’s outings in the Premier League with the Gunners show enough potential to star in England’s midfield, driving the ball forward while having the ability to track back and help out in defence when needed.
His ability to hold up the ball is immense and if England are keen to play more direct, attacking football then they will need a man like Rice on their side.
Mason Mount, it’s your time to shine.
It’s been a tough few seasons for former Chelsea star Mount, who left Stamford Bridge to join Manchester United last summer but has struggled to make an impression at Old Trafford due to regular injuries.
The arrival of Tuchel would no doubt open the floor for Mount to make his long-awaited comeback to the England squad after missing the European Championships in the summer. Tuchel made no secret of his love for Mount’s off-ball work but, much like James, his role in this team would be dictated by his ability to stay healthy.
Another constant in this England side is Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
Whether it’s goalscoring, powerful runs or technical masterclasses, England must play Saka if they want to achieve in upcoming tournaments. His skill is second-to-none, making him one of the most versatile wingers in the game.
Versatile enough to play as a wing-back, Saka’s role would not involve much defending, with the Arsenal star largely operating as an auxilliary forward.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham also demands a spot in this team.
His flair and creativity make him a beautiful player to watch on the pitch. He can create moments of magic from seemingly nothing, a skill that he emulated stunningly against Slovakia at Euro 2024 when he threw his side a lifeline with an outrageous bicycle kick goal.
Bellingham has struggled to wow England fans recently, but this man cannot be overlooked.
Chelsea’s starboy Cole Palmer would be a clear choice for Tuchel, who knows talent when he sees it.
Palmer has the ability to become the best England player in the Premier League if he continues his incredible form over in west London, making him an obvious candidate to star in attack.
He didn’t get too many opportunites to play at the recent European Championships, but when he did arrive on the pitch he was breathtaking.
When England faced Greece in the Nations League on Thursday at Wembley, they lacked a clear outlet up front. In other words, they struggled greatly without Harry Kane.
The Bundesliga star understands England, he knows the pressure upon his shoulders when he walks out onto the pitch and more often than not he is ready to step up and lead his team with grace.
Tuchel clearly knows what Kane is about, having fought tirelessly to ensure Bayern splashed the required cash to sign him in 2023.
