The big questions for Tuchel’s first England squad

This Friday, Thomas Tuchel will name his first England squad since the World Cup, with BBC Sport outlining the main issues facing the new boss. According to the outlet, England have four games in the extended international break across 11 days, giving fans an early look at what Tuchel’s next side could look like.

After a 6-4 win over France in the bronze-medal match, the campaign still left plenty of “what ifs” following the semi-final defeat by Argentina. The BBC argues that the immediate task for Tuchel is to address both personnel questions and the way the team handled momentum when England led.

Who gets the nod

The article says Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Hall have been included in Tuchel’s provisional squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, though it’s not confirmed they will make the final cut. Ngumoha, 18, impressed in a second-half cameo on his debut in the warm-up match against New Zealand, and is now viewed as a chance to be selected for games against Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia.

It also reports that Alex Scott, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Jarrad Branthwaite are among names in the extended list. In attack, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are on it too after both were among the biggest omissions from Tuchel’s World Cup squad.

Covering for Kane

One of the biggest debates, per Jess Anderson on BBC Sport, is who takes over in the captain and star striker Harry Kane’s absence. At the World Cup, Anderson says Tuchel didn’t turn to a clear alternative: Kane started all seven matches up to the semi-final and was substituted only late on twice. The article also notes Ivan Toney isn’t an option for this break due to a charge related to assault and his upcoming court appearance later this month.

John Murray adds that, beyond the selection calls, England’s on-field approach was questioned after they were too passive in the semi-final, letting Argentina take control after being 1-0 up.

What England must improve

The BBC highlights that England’s opening Nations League match will be an early test, with the expectation that Palmer and other attacking players take more initiative than they did during the later stages against Argentina in July. Injuries are also expected to shape the squad, with Jordan Henderson, Dean Henderson and John Stones forecast to be left out, according to BBC Sport.