It’s no secret that I’m not particularly enthusiastic about Thomas Tuchel’s way of leading. – I know that a lot of people praise him as a genius, but from my point of view he is too boring and rule-bound to create genuine enthusiasm.
Thomas Tuchel confirmed his England squad for the World Cup this morning – and has already made several obvious mistakes.
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The German’s 26-man selection has caused strong reactions among Three Lions supporters, and many are wondering what he is really doing. Tuchel seems to be betting heavily on team morale and “players he can trust” during the championships in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
On the other hand, several of England’s biggest talents will stay at home this summer.
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Here are the five decisions we think Tuchel has been completely wrong about.
1. Leaving out Harry Maguire
It’s hard to understand what else Maguire could have done to deserve a place. He has been outstanding for Manchester United in recent months and played a crucial role as the club moved from mid-table to third under Michael Carrick.
With his 66 caps, the 33-year-old has invaluable experience from major championships – he played in the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, as well as the European Championship in 2020. He also delivered a solid game against Uruguay in March.
In addition, Maguire is a threat in the opponent’s box with his physicality. England could use that plan B, especially since Leeds’ bulldozer Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also overlooked.
2. Only one specialist at left-back
Perhaps the most sensational decision of them all. Nico O’Reilly has undoubtedly earned his place, and the Manchester City defender is likely to be a left-back from the start against Croatia.
But if he is injured or suspended? Then England will be without proper cover.
The three options are Djed Spence, Tino Livramento (both natural right-backs) or Dan Burn. Spence is not a first-team player in a weak Spurs team. Livramento is rarely injury-free and struggled against top opposition in the Champions League for Newcastle. Burn shouldn’t have been anywhere near the squad in the first place.
Seemingly chosen because of his personality, the former Darlington and Wigan player would have been a daunting choice in the starting eleven.
His teammate Lewis Hall should have been given the chance after a brilliant season. Hall is strong, fast and good with the ball – and has the ability to fight with O’Reilly for the left-back spot for the next decade.
3. The absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold is shared by most people. It has long been clear that Tuchel is not a big fan of the Real Madrid star, but it is still a shame.
Because there aren’t many England fans who would rank him behind players like Spence and Livramento. The former Liverpool player has an x-factor few other matches. It is often the small margins that decide big games in the playoffs.
Critics will point to occasional lapses in concentration in defense – and that is understandable. But are Livramento and Spence really any better?
4. Jordan Henderson…
A complete enigma.
Just like Burn, Henderson gets a seat on the plane because he “sets the tone in the dressing room”. It almost seems like a crushing criticism of the coaching staff.
Henderson has had a fantastic career and was once rightly one of the first names on the roster. But that time is long gone. The 35-year-old – he turns 36 on June 17, the same day England face Croatia – should never have been chosen ahead of the far better Adam Wharton.
If Tuchel absolutely wanted Henderson on board, he should have had him as part of the coaching staff.
5. Three tips
The decision to bring in both Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins as a backup for Harry Kane is another mystery – especially when you have only included one specialist at left-back.
Toney left the Premier League to make fat money in Saudi Arabia. Yes, he has done well with 32 goals for Al-Ahli this season. But even if you put the moral arguments aside: Should a player from a league several levels below the Premier League really be considered?
Watkins was the sensible choice. He has had a strong end to the season for Aston Villa, and showed at Euro 2024 that he can come in from the bench and influence games. Watkins and Kane would have been enough – with Marcus Rashford as plan C.
