Matt Maher: New England boss Thomas Tuchel appears ready to do things his way
His England reign may be in its infancy but if the first squad selection is anything to go by, Thomas Tuchel is not a man afraid to make bold decisions.
The 26-strong selection announced on Friday morning contained a couple of major surprises and several other eyebrow-raising calls.
Time will decide if they are right. As Tuchel himself was quick to point out, next week’s qualifiers against Albania and Latvia are only the first step toward the 2026 World Cup. All the same, he seems determined to do things his way.
Even allowing for the first ever call-up for 32-year-old Dan Burn, it was the recall of Jordan Henderson which created by far the biggest shock, many having already written the obituary for the midfielder’s England career when he missed out on the squad for Euro 2024.
But under Tuchel, he is back.
“Jordan embodies everything we are trying to build,” said the new England boss, who also described Henderson as a “serial winner”.
That may be so, yet while Henderson might be captain of an Ajax team rejuvenated this season and seemingly on its way to a league title in the Netherlands, the 34-year-old has only started two of their last nine matches.
Success at the top level of international football, on the other hand, can be almost as much about building a collective spirit than tactics and Henderson’s selection may be aimed at helping the former.
Tuchel will hope to create an environment in which Marcus Rashford can continue his renaissance.
The extent to which the forward has rediscovered his form since joining Villa on loan is open to a little debate. Regular observers know there have been at least as many forgettable appearances as memorable. Rashford has started only once in the Premier League for Unai Emery’s team.
But the highlights have been eye-catching and after his career was stuck in neutral at Manchester United, now there is momentum again. This England call-up appears designed to keep things moving, with Tuchel aware a fully restored Rashford will be a serious asset. Villa and Unai Emery will not mind the added motivation sent the 27-year-old’s way.
For Tuchel, of course, this is the starting point. His ideas and selection will evolve and the challenge, for both Henderson and Rashford, is to ensure they remain part of it.
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