Thomas Tuchel became England’s manager in October 2023, recently announcing a squad for qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. His choices, including recalling Jordan Henderson and dropping Harry Maguire, have sparked mixed reactions. Tuchel emphasizes player character and leadership in his selections, aiming to strengthen the team for upcoming challenges.
Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager in mid-October 2023. Before officially starting his role on January 1, he spent two and a half months on gardening leave, contemplating his strategies while earning a significant salary. According to Mark Bullingham, an FA executive, Tuchel has made an impressive impact despite working remotely for part of this time. He has occasionally been in England, primarily engaging in logistics and high-profile events.
In his role, Tuchel was tasked with generating a squad list for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia. After narrowing down an extensive longlist of 55 players, he published a 26-player squad to a mixed reception. Key features of his selection included naming four goalkeepers and recalling Marcus Rashford. The decision to include Dominic Solanke over Ollie Watkins stirred debate, as did the dropping of Harry Maguire in favor of uncapped Dan Burn.
One particularly contentious call was the inclusion of Jordan Henderson. The experienced midfielder, who will reach 36 during the next World Cup, was recalled despite having an inconsistent past few years. Tuchel praised Henderson for his character, asserting that his influence on the team is valuable. This assertion comes against the backdrop of Henderson’s recent bench status at Ajax, where he was suspended for a recent match.
Tuchel noted that Henderson shares similar leadership qualities with Dan Burn, suggesting that their experience addresses the team’s needs for the upcoming matches. As preparations continue for the qualifiers, the effectiveness of Tuchel’s selections remains to be seen as England looks to secure victories against Albania and Latvia.
In summary, Thomas Tuchel’s selection as England manager has generated significant discussion, particularly regarding his recent squad choices. The inclusion of players like Jordan Henderson and Dominic Solanke illustrates his approach to building a team centered on character and experience. With upcoming matches against Albania and Latvia, the efficacy of these decisions will soon be tested.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
