Tuchel's First England Squad – The Top Talking Points

England’s new Head Coach, Thomas Tuchel, made an impressive start to his tenure with two victories in their World Cup qualifiers against Latvia and Albania. Both matches showcased his team’s dominance on the ball as expected, though the attacking play remains a work in progress. Tuchel has already highlighted the need for improvement on the wings, where England still seem to lack that cutting edge. Despite the scrutiny surrounding his squad selections, Tuchel became the first England men’s manager to win his first two competitive matches since Fabio Capello in 2008.

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The attacking play remains a work in progress

A Shift in Approach: The Hunger and Identity England Have Been Missing
One of the most significant talking points coming into Tuchel’s first set of fixtures as England manager was the lack of energy and attacking flair that fans often criticised under former manager Gareth Southgate. Tuchel was quick to address this, stating that under Southgate, England had “played to not lose” and lacked “hunger” and a true “identity.” His emphasis on a more aggressive and dynamic approach immediately set him apart from his predecessor.
Although Tuchel’s team scored five goals over two games, there were long and frustrating periods where the team struggled to break down their opponents. Despite the wins, many fans and pundits were left wondering whether Tuchel’s side was truly able to assert itself as a force going forward.

Myles Lewis-Skelly: A Dream Debut
Among the most exciting individual stories from Tuchel’s first squad selection was the debut of 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who marked his senior England debut with a goal against Albania. Lewis-Skelly’s strike was a memorable moment at Wembley in what was an already remarkable rise for the young midfielder-turned left back.

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Lewis-Skelly’s strike was a memorable moment at Wembley

Having represented England from under-16s to under-19s, this call-up marked a major milestone in his career. The fact that Tuchel has already placed his trust in a player of Lewis-Skelly’s potential suggests that the new manager is willing to bring in younger talents into the senior squad, taking a more progressive approach. If Lewis-Skelly continues to develop at this rate, he could become a key player for England in the years to come.

Marcus Rashford’s Redemption
One of the more intriguing choices of Tuchel’s squad selection was the recall of Marcus Rashford. After a difficult period in his career, Rashford has found a resurgence in form following his loan move to Aston Villa. He has contributed significantly to Villa’s attacking play, creating more chances than any other Premier League player in the three weeks after his debut.
Tuchel’s decision to include Rashford in the starting lineup for both qualifiers was telling. With more minutes and a potential partnership with the likes of Jude Bellingham or Phil Foden, Rashford could play a crucial role in turning England’s attacking play into something more clinical.

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Tuchel’s decision to include Rashford in the starting lineup for both qualifiers was telling

Jordan Henderson’s Controversial Recall
A widely debated decision in Tuchel’s squad was the recall of Ajax Midfielder Jordan Henderson. The 34-year-old was brought back into the fold for his sixth major tournament for England despite a relatively underwhelming season at club level, having started just 15 matches. His inclusion over in-form players such as Morgan Gibbs-White certainly created some controversy. Many felt his flair and creativity would bring the kind of dynamism Tuchel is looking for, especially with five Premier League goals and seven assists for high-flying Forest this season.
Despite the calls for Gibbs-White’s inclusion, Tuchel opted for Henderson, presumably for his experience and leadership qualities, particularly in high-pressure tournament settings. Gibbs-White was eventually given a late call-up following an injury to Cole Palmer. However, the midfielder was not included in the squad for the qualifiers, leading to questions about Tuchel’s vision for England’s midfield.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tuchel and England?
As the World Cup qualifiers continue later this year, all eyes will be on how Tuchel’s England evolves. While there are signs of improvement, the team will need to build on their solid start by developing a more dynamic attacking rhythm. One of the most pressing issues for Tuchel will be ensuring that England’s wingers become a more dangerous and consistent attacking force. The real test will be when the World Cup kicks off in 2026 and the team faces more challenging opponents.