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Futbol

Has Tuchel's First Squad Revealed England's Short-term Strategy?

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his first squad since succeeding Gareth Southgate - and it is a selection that is already prompting wide debate. Tuchel has recalled former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who is 35 in June, while Marcus Rashford is rewarded with a return to the squad for his fine form on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United. He has also revealed first picks at either end of the age scale from Arsenal's 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly to 32-year-old Newcastle United defender Dan Burn for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley next Friday (21 March) and Monday (24 March) respectively. So what can be unpicked from Tuchel's first indication of England's future direction? Tuchel's appointment as England head coach has always carried the feel of an 18-month job focussed entirely on winning the World Cup and not beyond. Win then move on. Lose then move on. The Football Association provoked debate, and some criticism, by ignoring the claims of English candidates such as Eddie Howe in their succession plan post-Southgate, to go for the best man available regardless of nationality. The strategy was clear. The long-term can wait while a proven winner takes charge and Tuchel's first England squad merely confirms it. There is a nod to the next generation with the inclusion of versatile defender Lewis-Skelly with England short at left-back and Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, who is 22, but there was the definite whiff of short-term targets in Tuchel's selection. However, the recall of Henderson is the most eye-catching example of Tuchel wanting experience for the here and now. He last played for England in November 2023 and missed out on selection for last summer's Euro 2024. Tuchel described Henderson as a "serial winner" and this is what the coach has in mind as he plots a path to next year's World Cup. And then there is the shock selection of Burn. A wonderful story, as Newcastle United manager Howe agreed, but a very late stage for any player to prove they are international class. Burn would be the oldest player to win his first England cap since Bolton Wanderers striker Kevin Davies made his debut against Montenegro on 12 October 2010 at 33 years and 200 days. The bustling forward was the oldest since 38-year-old Leslie Compton in 1950. It is very much a case of going back to the past for the short-term future. Former interim boss Lee Carsley's last squad contained a total 627 caps, while this one has a tally of 664. Tuchel is missing younger players who have been injured recently, such as Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, but is clear the German's reign is not going to be a slow burner. The selection of Henderson and the return of Rashford demonstrates that Tuchel is prepared to start with a clean slate. Henderson's call-up came out of the blue after it looked like his England career was over when he, like Rashford, was left out of Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024. The former Liverpool captain had an ill-fated stint in Saudi Arabia before returning to Europe with Ajax, where Tuchel has clearly seen enough to recall him. Tuchel appears to want Henderson as much for his influence off the pitch, saying: "What he brings every time is leadership, character, personality and energy. He makes sure everyone lives by the standards and with character. He embodies everything we are trying to build." England's head coach has long been a fan of Rashford and wants to be the beneficiary of Aston Villa manager Unai Emery's repair job on the forward's career. He said: "I had a strong feeling we should nominate him, to push him to stay at the level he is at now not fall back into old routines." Tuchel's words offer an indication that he realises Rashford had fallen by the wayside at Old Trafford but is also convinced the 27-year-old can offer much to his new England. He clearly does not feel the same about Manchester City's Jack Grealish. He would have been hoping to make a comeback after also missing out on Euro 2024, although he has not figured regularly under manager Pep Guardiola. Tottenham midfielder James Maddison is another who is, for now at least, consigned to the margins, Tuchel goes with what he knows by recalling Chelsea's Reece James as he makes his return from another hamstring injury. He was a key member of Tuchel's side that won the Champions League in 2021 and there is a potential opening at right-back with Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold injured, Kyle Walker, 34, and on loan at AC Milan, and with Newcastle United's Tino Livramento talented but inexperienced. Tuchel has made no secret of his desire to utilise the natural physical aspects of the English style into his squad and this is in evidence with this selection. Burn, at 6 feet 7 inches, fits the bill, while Rogers combines raw power with natural skill and strong running. James also combines physical strength with great ability -and the squad has a very powerful look. Tuchel was asked whether that lack of physicality cost England in previous tournaments. He said: "I don't think a lot is missing. Obviously a little bit is because we lost consecutive Euros finals and World Cup semi-final and quarter-finals. "The feeling is a little step is needed to bring it over the line." Tuchel's squad is sure to cause debate, especially in Nottingham, where Forest fans will feel Morgan Gibbs-White could have offered an "X Factor" after his outstanding performances in their tilt to reach the Champions League. They will also offer up Callum Hudson-Odoi as an example of someone who deserves a return to the England squad after his rejuvenation, exemplified by his winning goal against Manchester City that puts Forest in such a wonderful position to reach the top four. Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who won a full cap under Southgate, also misses out despite being in outstanding form since manager David Moyes returned to Goodison Park. He is included in Carsley's England Under-21 side. Tottenham defender Djed Spence will have had his backers, while there is no place for Conor Gallagher despite his fine form at Atletico Madrid. Tuchel resisted the temptation to include Arsenal 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who also goes into Carsley's squad. Thomas Tuchel gave a hugely impressive performance in front of the media after announcing his first squad. From suggestion he is intent on "building a brotherhood" in his England squad to talking about "a parental vibe" when handling Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, Tuchel was confident and comfortable in his new skin as England head coach. No subject was off limits, apart from when he declined to reveal who his captain might be if Harry Kane was not available. Tuchel was open, honest and clearly excited about the task ahead, although he admitted he was "missing the smell of the grass" and could not wait to get on the training ground with his new charges. This is a coach who has been around the block with big clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Paris St. Germain and Bayern Munich, while getting a feel and admiration for the English game and his players at Chelsea. He is the quick winner the FA wanted with his appointment. Now the serious work starts with the World Cup his goal.

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