Five unlikely faces who could line-up for England under Tuchel

The news is out. Thomas Tuchel will take charge of the England national team from 2025.

Born in Germany, the 51-year-old is hugely accomplished as a head coach, most notably winning the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021.

Since then he has gone on to manage Bayern Munich, but found himself without a job at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

A few months later, the Football Association shocked the nation and announced Tuchel’s reign, which will see him lead the Three Lions to the 2026 World Cup.

He will sit and watch as Lee Carsley takes charge of two final Nations League games in November, but they will give him a good chance to observe his squad ahead of the succession.

And while Carsley has opted for some bold choices with his squad announcements so far, Tuchel may turn to some familiar faces next year.

Thomas Tuchel. Our #ThreeLions head coach from 2025. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

— England (@England) October 16, 2024

He has worked with plenty of Englishmen before, including the likes of captain Harry Kane and several Chelsea stars.

It may lead to some recalls for players who have not really had a look in recently, while others may find themselves out of the squad.

Read on as we discuss five players in line for a return to St George’s Park in the coming months.

Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling made seven appearances for Tuchel during his time at Chelsea but the former Manchester City winger is looking to revive his career on loan at Arsenal.

He is already off the mark for the Gunners and despite facing competition from the likes of Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon, will fancy himself to return for England.

It was the German coach who initially brought Sterling to Stamford Bridge before being Sacked in 2022, but it feels like there is unfinished business between the two.

If Sterling can continue to perform and even lead Arsenal to the Premier League title, Tuchel would be more than inclined to hand him a recall.

TT. 👍🤳

Shot on Google Pixel. pic.twitter.com/0wqfeQK0LM

— England (@England) October 16, 2024

Eric Dier

Eric Dier was on the verge of a recall for Euro 2024 after impressing for Bayern Munich, but just missed out.

The former Tottenham man made 20 appearances under Tuchel in the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, earning a permanent move to the Bavarian giants.

Dier became someone Tuchel can trust despite having the likes of Matthijs De Ligt and Kim-min Jae at his disposal.

It would not be a surprise to see the defender back in the squad at the earliest opportunity.

Ben Chillwell

It looked like Ben Chillwell’s England career may be over with Carsley at the helm, but he may have raised his head in anticipation with Tuchel’s appointment.

The Chelsea defender slotted in perfectly at wing-back under the ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss and started in the Champions League final win against Manchester City.

Several injuries later and Chillwell looks a shadow of the player he once was.

But that may not stop Tuchel from bringing him back into the frame at England as he explores his five-at-the-back system with the Three Lions.

“To see the genuine excitement in the country for the national team is something very special and we want to create that energy.” 👊

💬 Thomas Tuchel pic.twitter.com/5zKruVec2m

— England (@England) October 16, 2024

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has never really had a sniff with the England national team.

Since leaving Chelsea for AC Milan, the 28-year-old has thrived in Italy, making nearly 50 appearances in just over a year.

He has 10 international caps to his name and does know how to play in Tuchel’s tactical system.

A good run with Milan in Serie A and the Champions League heading into 2025 could put him in a favourable position to strengthen the midfield under the new management.

Mason Mount

Will Mason Mount ever return to the England squad? He may not have a better opportunity than under Tuchel.

The 25-year-old played 87 times under the new coach, more than any other English player.

But like Chillwell, injuries have hampered Mount’s chances of returning to the national squad, but that could be about to change.

With 19 goals and 19 assists under Tuchel, Mount’s positioning and creative ability in a more defensive system will be favoured by Tuchel and could put him in line to make his first appearance for the Three Lions since the 2022 World Cup.

Reunited. 💪 pic.twitter.com/4Y1Fp4RFzC

— England (@England) October 16, 2024