Thomas Tuchel takes over the England job for real very soon. A squad announcement in mid-March is followed by games against Albania and Latvia at Wembley on March 21st and 24th respectively.
Both games are against modest opposition, so could the squad be somewhat experimental? In a sense, everything is experimental for a new manager, but these are World Cup qualifiers and six points is a must.
Tuchel’s comments about Jack Grealish after the Euros has left us thinking; could there be high-profile recalls? Will there be new, hitherto uncapped players? We’re looking at which players, not a regular part of Gareth Southgate’s most recent squads, could be involved.
Who Plays in the Forward Areas?
Firstly, Anthony Gordon is surely a must? He’s been outstanding for a solid Newcastle side and is better on the left than Eze, Grealish, Rashford and co. As for Mason Greenwood, well let’s not go there this time.
Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke is better than he gets credit for and could take the supporting role to Harry Kane, usually played by Ollie Watkins. But what about the future?
Ipswich’s Liam Delap has had a terrific first Premier League season. He’s deceptively quick, has tons of power and can certainly finish. He looks like Kane’s natural long-term replacement.
We also shouldn’t forget Ivan Toney, unless Tuchel believes that playing in Saudi Arabia is a block to playing in a top internation team.
The Central Problem
It was well documented last summer that Phil Foden essentially demanded to play centrally. Cole Palmer also needs to be in the middle. The inclusion of either essentially forces a 4-2-3-1 formation. Even if you leave one out, you are probably playing Jude Bellingham in the two, but he likes to go forward.
That leaves Bellingham and Foden or Palmer wanting to occupy the same areas of the pitch. This has the Scholes/Gerrard/Lampard problem of the past written all over it. It seems Tuchel will need to be brave and leave some big names out or risk the old square pegs in round holes issue.
Bellingham and Rice seem certain to play, but who else? Conor Gallagher was just OK under Southgate but, like Kieren Trippier, it seems experience in Spain can help.
Curtis Jones is an option, but does playing for Liverpool make him look better? Adam Wharton smacked of a Southgate/Crystal Palace bias while Elliott Anderson has to be up for debate. He only left Newcastle because of PSR, has had a great season in the top four and is rare in wanting to take men on and go forward.
Defensive Changes?
Ben White will be the hot topic here. Tuchel will be deciding on various factors. Is he good enough? Does he want to play? Will the crowd accept him if he does?
Newcastle full-back pair Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are the future. The latter especially oozes class and is the best at this age since Ashley Cole. He must start with Tuchel.
Lastly, James Trafford would be a brave one. Will Tuchel pick a Championship goalkeeper? The Burnley man is heading to the Premier League one way or the other soon and he has been an integral part in his club’s super defensive display this season.