Tuchel Names His England Squad: 5 Shocking Omissions
England coach Thomas Tuchel has named the 26 players who will feature in the Three Lions’ next two international games. Most names were expected to feature on the teamsheet, though there are a few surprises. Who would have thought Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney would have made the shortlist? Along with eyebrow-raising inclusions were some equally head-scratching omissions. Here are some we’re still trying to wrap our heads around.
Mason Greenwood
The ex-Manchester United forward has enjoyed a stellar debut season in Ligue 1, scoring 21 goals and assisting five times. His attacking prowess has helped Olympique Marseille secure second spot and Champions League football. Only Harry Kane has had a more productive season in front of goal among Three Lions forwards across Europe. Marseille fans can’t get enough of Greenwood, and Man U fans have probably never forgiven the club admin for letting him leave. Yet Tuchel saw it fit to select Ivan Toney and Noni Madueke ahead of the 24-year-old. Someone explain that to us in Cocomelon-speak.
Dominic Solanke
Another solid attacking option that appears to have escaped Tuchel’s attention is Tottenham Hotspur’s number 19. Few can argue the 27-year-old has led the line well in his debut season in North London. He hasn’t been as prolific as the Englishman whose place he took, but he’s given a good account of himself in a Spurs squad that has endured a miserable Premier League campaign. His five goals and four assists helped the Lily Whites clinch the Europa League. Some analysts say he offers more dynamism in attack than Ollie Watkins or Harry Kane. But Tuchel has cast his die, and something tells us he’ll regret making this gamble.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire’s resurgence in defense is one of the bright spots in a bleak season for Manchester United. The long-term ACL injury Lisandro Martínez suffered in February gave the Premier League’s most expensive center-back the chance to prove that he still had plenty to offer. His growing confidence was highlighted by his away performance against Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semifinals. In addition to a commanding defensive display that resulted in a clean sheet, Maguire’s contribution to United’s opening goal will live long in the memory. England has missed a trick in omitting ‘Harrydinho’ from the upcoming fixtures.
Marc Guéhi
If Harry Maguire hadn’t been good enough for Tuchel, surely Guéhi would have been. The Côte d’Ivoire native has been one of the pillars in Crystal Palace’s defense. He was part of the back three that kept a Manchester City attacking battalion featuring Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush goalless in the FA Cup final. Guéhi has represented England from the under-17 to the senior level. He was an integral part of the UEFA Euro 2024 squad that made it to the finals. But these credentials and a productive season with the Eagles weren’t enough for Tuchel.
Nick Pope
Newcastle United has finished the season on very strong footing. Eddie Howe’s men have only lost three games since the beginning of March. They vanquished the top two Premier League teams on their way to lifting the Carabao Cup, the club’s first major title in 70 years. A key member of this squad was goalkeeper Nick Pope. He has been as dependable between the sticks for the Magpies as he has for England. Even his World Cup experience wasn’t enough to convince Tuchel to restore Pope as Jordan Pickford’s understudy.
