Thomas Tuchel is set to name his first squad as England head coach on Friday afternoon, with many eyes on the ex-Chelsea boss as he nears his first game in the dugout at Wembley.
While he has been charged with bringing football home in the shape of the World Cup in 16 months’ time, his first task is to select his squad for the start of the qualifying stages.
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ByCharlie SmithMar 5, 2025 3 Levi Colwill Chelsea
Levi Colwill and Tuchel never crossed paths as far as the defender playing for the Chelsea first team is concerned, but the 22-year-old’s recent international experience in the Nations League may come in very handy amid a dearth of quality options at Tuchel’s disposal.
Earning his senior competitive international debut under Lee Carsley, the European Under-21 champion would also bring a winning experience that few in the current squad would be able to match.
His versatility may see him get in the squad regardless, but should he make it, Tuchel could do worse than ask Colwill to solve his conundrum at left-back, where he started and kept a clean sheet against Ireland back in September.
2 Myles Lewis-Skelly Arsenal
Although uncapped at senior level, Myles Lewis-Skelly’s breakthrough this season has been meteoric. His class is undeniable, particularly when considering his age, with the youngster proving his competence at left-back.
However, what may work against the Arsenal youth product is that he has often been found walking a tightrope this season – a habit Tuchel may prefer him to nip in the bud before being entrusted with a starring role on the international stage.
That said, clashes against European lightweights such as Latvia may be an ideal opportunity to give the kid a chance in England colours.
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ByBen BrowningFeb 14, 2025 1 Tyrick Mitchell Crystal Palace
It has somehow been three years since Crystal Palace full-back Tyrick Mitchell last made the England squad in friendly victories over Switzerland and Ivory Coast, starting the latter.
And with most – if not all – of Tuchel’s prime left-back options injured, Mitchell is surely the best-placed left-back providing a solution.
Mitchell is playing regularly for his club, becoming a trusted starter under Oliver Glasner – hence Ben Chilwell’s inability to break into the starting XI at Selhurst Park.
He is also one of the last few true left-backs available, with most of the players in this list not even left-backs by trade.
When all is said and done, Mitchell’s patience is surely about to pay off. Will a competitive debut await in Tuchel’s first game?