Thomas Tuchel has been appointed as England manager and introduced a 26-man squad for World Cup qualifiers. His selections, including four goalkeepers and notable players like Jordan Henderson, have sparked discussion and debate. Tuchel’s focus appears to be on fostering team character and strategy as England prepares for upcoming matches.
In mid-October, Thomas Tuchel was officially appointed as England’s manager. Following a two-and-a-half-month period of informal preparation, he commenced his official duties on January 1. Since then, he has made a notable impact and fostered connections, as highlighted by FA executive Mark Bullingham, despite his significant remote work from Germany.
Tuchel’s primary recent task was to compile a 26-player roster for England’s forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. After narrowing down an initial list of 55 candidates, the final selection was announced to mixed reactions. Noteworthy decisions included the naming of four goalkeepers, the return of Marcus Rashford, and the surprising choice of Dominic Solanke over Ollie Watkins.
A significant tactical choice involved dropping Harry Maguire while selecting uncapped Dan Burn. This challenge reflects Tuchel’s innovative approach. Additionally, Tuchel’s selection of Myles Lewis-Skelly was commendable, although others could easily have made that choice. The most unexpected inclusion was Jordan Henderson, the seasoned midfielder whose career has faced turbulence lately. Tuchel praised Henderson for his impressive performances at Ajax, despite Henderson’s recent suspension and lack of starting opportunities.
Continuing to advocate for Henderson’s qualities, Tuchel emphasized the midfielder’s character and energy as vital assets for the team, likening him to Dan Burn. The national team now prepares for the upcoming matches against Albania and Latvia.
In conclusion, Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as England’s manager has generated interest and debate regarding his player selections. His innovative tactics and choices reflect a new approach, particularly with the inclusion of players such as Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson. Despite mixed reactions to his roster, Tuchel’s commitment to building a cohesive team culture and strategy remains evident as the team prepares for the qualifiers.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
