Thomas Tuchel nominates his first squad as coach of the English national team – and causes some surprises.
England’s new national soccer coach Thomas Tuchel has caused some surprises with his first nomination. The former Dortmund and Munich Bundesliga coach relies on the returnees Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson as well as two debutants in the upcoming international period. Bavaria’s striker Harry Kane remains captain.
“It’s about building a team that loves to play with each other,” Tuchel explained his choice. The Three Lions should appear “like an English team, we shouldn’t copy any other styles”. Tuchel wants to implement an offensive, intensive approach that “reflects the values of our country”. The 51-year-old announced an internal crash course on Monday for his plan.
Henderson’s nomination in particular caused astonishment, Tuchel defended his decision. “We try to build a team that our fans are proud of. Jordan embodies everything we want,” said Tuchel. Rashford brought Tuchel back primarily because of his strong defensive work, a property for which the winger had been criticized again and again in the past.
Henderson and Rashford had not been taken into account by Tuchel’s predecessor Gareth Southgate for the European Championship last summer. After moving from Manchester United to Aston Villa, Rashford blooms again. The former Liverpool captain Henderson now plays for Ajax Amsterdam after a short, but heavily criticized detour to Saudi Arabia.
Tuchel did not make any changes in the captaincy. “It’s simple. The decision is made, the decision is made. Harry is the captain,” said Tuchel Knapp, who described the role as a national coach of England as “exciting and a bit surreal”. “It’s a great honor,” Tuchel said proudly.
For the first time, defensive giant dan Burn by Newcastle United and Arsenals left defense talent Myles Lewis-Skelly are in the 26-seater squad for the upcoming World Cup qualification. Among other things, Jack Grialish from Manchester City is missing.
The Vice European Champion meets Albania next Friday, three days later England welcomes the team from Latvia.