Thomas Tuchel has become the latest candidate to try and lead England to success following the departure of Gareth Southgate in the summer.
The former Bayern Munich man has been out of work since leaving the Bundesliga in June. He has been named as a possible 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 former Chelsea manager England’s national team? This is how Tuchel could line up the squad.
While there are a few goalkeeper options who could take Jordan Pickford’s place, the Everton man would likely remain between the sticks with Tuchel in charge.
He has proven his worth on numerous occasions and although he can sometimes be caught out when his side choose to play from the back, Pickford remains a senior and mature character in defense who is capable of leading his backline and guide your 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 also earn a place in Tuchel’s squad.
The former Chelsea manager has excelled with a back three previously, which is why we’ve chosen to honor that tactic in our line-up 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.
However, keep an eye out for Trevoh Chalobah. Tuchel loved the 25-year-old at Chelsea and even wanted him at Bayern.
Joining Guehi in defense is Manchester City star John Stones.
Stones has been a consistent 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 Tuchel would certainly aspire to use.
Stones’ ability to play in a more advanced role would also help his England case. The team is desperate to unlock more creative and fluid football and Stones is the man for the job.
welcome Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, you have earned your place on this side.
Colwill has cemented his place in the England squad recently in UEFA Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece. The 21-year-old has also found his feet in the Chelsea team, playing every minute of their Premier League campaign so far.
He would work well with Stones in the middle, using the taller defender to develop into his position at the back. Tuchel would like to get Colwill more minutes in the Three Lions shirt.
Reece James produced the best football of his career under Tuchel, establishing himself as a marauding, goal-scoring full-back as he opened himself up to talk of the best defenders on the planet.
Injuries haven’t helped the Chelsea captain, but James’ pre-existing relationship with Tuchel should see him into this team if he’s fit enough to do so.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the obvious deputy, with the Liverpool man certainly a threat of his own up front.
Arsenal’s Rice Declan he keeps his place in the center of midfield, there’s no doubt about it. Tuchel wanted Rice at Chelsea and was even said to have tried to lure the Englishman to Bayern with him before Arsenal arrived.
Rice’s Premier League outings with the Gunners show enough potential to star in England’s midfield, driving the ball forward while also having the ability to track back and help out in defense when needed.
His ability to hold the ball is immense and if England are to play more direct attacking football, they will need a man like Rice in their side.
Mason Mount, it’s your time to shine.
It has been a difficult few seasons for the former Chelsea Mount star, who left Stamford Bridge to join Manchester United last summer but has struggled to impress at Old Trafford due to regular injuries.
Tuchel’s arrival would certainly pave the way for Mount to make his long-awaited return to the England squad after missing out on the European Championship in the summer. Tuchel made no secret of his love for Mount’s off-ball work, but, like James, his role in this team would be dictated by his ability to stay healthy.
Another constant in this England team is the Arsenal star Bukayo Saka.
Whether it’s goals, powerful runs or technical masterclasses, England need to play with Saka if they are to make it in the upcoming tournaments. His ability is unmatched, making him one of the most versatile wings in the game.
Versatile enough to play as a full-back, Saka’s role would not involve much defending, with the Arsenal star operating largely as a utility forward.
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham also demands a place in this team.
His talent and creativity make him a beautiful player to watch on the pitch. He can create moments of magic out of seemingly nothing, a skill he impressively emulated against Slovakia at Euro 2024 when he threw his side a lifeline with an outrageous bicycle kick goal.
Bellingham have struggled to impress English fans recently, but this man is not to be overlooked.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer would be an obvious choice for Tuchel, who knows talent when he sees it.
Palmer has the ability to become England’s best player in the Premier League if he continues his incredible form in west London, making him an obvious candidate to star in attack.
He didn’t get much chance to play at the last European Championships, but when he did get on the pitch he was impressive.
When England took on Greece in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday, they lacked a clear outlet up front. In other words, they struggled a lot without Harry Kane.
The Bundesliga star understands England, knows the pressure on his shoulders when he steps onto the pitch and is more often than not willing to step up and lead his team with grace.
Tuchel clearly knows what Kane is all about, having fought tirelessly to ensure Bayern splashed the cash needed to sign him in 2023.
