There were some bold calls made by Thomas Tuchel as he named his England squad this morning
Any player not selected in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this morning is facing up to the prospect of missing out on their World Cup dream.
That would have been the case had Tuchel called-up 26 players. However, his decision to go with 35 in a two-tier camp means the reality is stark: if your name’s not down, you’re not coming in.
So, where does this leave England following Tuchel’s announcement? We analyse five of the main talking points.
No Trent Alexander-Arnold
Tuchel has previously expressed concern over Alexander-Arnold’s defensive skills and that appears to have cost the Real Madrid right-back.
Early in his reign, the German said of the former Liverpool man: ”I can see that sometimes he relies heavily on his offensive contributions and gives not so much emphasis on the defensive discipline and effort.
”This major impact that he had for Liverpool over so many years…if he wants to have this impact in the English national team then he has to take the defensive part very, very seriously.
“Because when we are talking, especially about qualifying football, and then tournament football, the one defensive error, the one moment where you are not 100% awake, can be decisive. It can be the moment where you pack your suitcases and go home.”
Alexander-Arnold has struggled with injury since swapping Anfield for the Santiago Bernabeu but he is now fit and first choice for Alvaro Arbeloa.
England must have a plethora of options at right-back if they can afford to leave him out, surely? Well, no. A position that for so long has been a strength is now a concern. Tuchel’s first choice Reece James is out for at least six weeks and, even when fit, the Chelsea star has struggled to show the kind of durability required for tournament football.
The other right-backs named in today’s squad are Tino Livramento and Djed Spence. They are two fine players but would you fancy going into a knockout game with them in the side?
Not taking a look at Alexander-Arnold during this international break seems an odd call.
Calvert-Lewin over Watkins
A move somewhat reminiscent of the old ploy of selecting Andy Carroll in England squads with a view to sending him on for the last 15 minutes and lumping it long.
That’s perhaps a bit unfair on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is better on the floor than Carroll ever was. The 29-year-old has rebuilt his career at Leeds and, just as importantly, has stayed fit.
He has scored 10 goals in 26 Premier League games for the West Yorkshire side. His physical presence and heading ability offers something different to Tuchel’s other options.
Ollie Watkins can count himself unfortunate, particularly having been overlooked for Spurs’ Dominic Solanke.
Garner’s versatility gives him hope
James Garner has been Everton’s stand-out player this season and deserves the chance to impress Tuchel.
The 25-year-old has represented England at every youth level but today was his first call-up to the senior squad. It’s hard to see him getting near the starting XI, particularly in a stacked midfield, but his ability to also play right-back means he is a definite squad option.
He is similar in many ways to Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, another player who can play in multiple positions. It’s difficult to imagine both men going to the World Cup, particularly if Livramento – who can play in either full-back position – is selected. For now, O’Reilly appears the better bet.
Come in Lewis Hall, your time is now
England have had issues at left-back for some time. Luke Shaw’s injury woes have finally caught up with him, despite an excellent season at Manchester United. O’Reilly, Livramento, James, Spence and Myles Lewis-Skelly were all used at left-back during the qualifying campaign but only Lewis-Skelly can claim that’s his natural position.
And with the Arsenal defender struggling for game time at the Emirates this season, it is no surprise that Tuchel has looked elsewhere.
Hall has timed his run perfectly. He has been outstanding for Newcastle for several weeks and showed his aptitude against the best in the world for three quarters of their Champions League clash with Barcelona by shackling Lamine Yamal.
Strong, athletic and good going forward, at 21 years of age Hall has the chance to make the troublesome left-back berth his own for many tournaments to come.
Number 10 role remains up for grabs
Tuchel continues to hedge his bets in the central attacking midfield role.
Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were all named in the squad this morning. It’s unlikely all four will be on the plane that crosses the Atlantic in June.
Each one of them will be slightly nervous. Bellingham has only just recovered from injury but has yet to make his return for Real Madrid. Tuchel won’t shy away from leaving him out despite his prodigious talent. The former Birmingham midfielder has a very big two months ahead of him.
The same can be said for Foden, who has fallen out of favour at Manchester City. No longer an automatic selection for the big games, it will be interesting to see if he is included in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI for Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Arsenal. No-one doubts his talent but does he always make the impact required?
Of the four, Rogers has had the best season but, like Aston Villa, has found the going tougher in recent weeks. Has managed just one goal and two assists in the Premier League this side of Christmas and looks in need of a rest. He’s a favourite of Tuchel’s but his form needs to pick up.
Palmer has had a stop-start time at Chelsea this season and his place in the squad is also not guaranteed. Arguably the greatest maverick of the quartet, he may get the nod simply due to ability to produce a moment of magic from nowhere. He’s also good from the penalty spot.
