Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall came extremely close to earning his first senior international call-up, praising his performances and explaining where he sees the 28-year-old fitting into his system.
Dewsbury-Hall has enjoyed an impressive spell at Everton, establishing himself as an important player and continuing to push for international recognition.
Despite his performances, the former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder was left out of Tuchel’s latest England squad for the upcoming internationals against Croatia and Spain.
His Everton teammate James Garner, however, was included once again, raising questions about how far Dewsbury-Hall remains from receiving his first senior opportunity.
Speaking at Wembley on Friday, Tuchel was asked by GIVEMESPORT reporter Sam Cohen about Dewsbury-Hall’s omission, particularly given his performances for Everton and previous involvement in England’s provisional squads.
The German was full of praise for the midfielder and admitted that he had been seriously considered for selection.
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Dewsbury-Hall's record for Everton
Appearances
Goals
Assists
“Very good player, very good season, you can just see it,” Tuchel said.
“He’s a very good football player overall because I see him in the way we play now.
“I don’t see him in central midfield in the build-up and in the build-up of the game. I see him more in the finishing part of the game as an offensive eight or almost as a 10.”
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Tuchel’s assessment offers an interesting insight into how England’s coaching staff view Dewsbury-Hall’s qualities.
Rather than considering him primarily as a deeper midfielder responsible for progressing possession, the England boss believes his strengths are better suited to operating further forward, where he can influence attacks in the final third.
However, that is also an area of the pitch where England have considerable competition for places.
“The competition is very, very high in our squad in this position,” Tuchel continued.
“But he is, as you know, he’s in our 55, a standout player for Everton and we see his quality.
He’s a nice watch because he’s a very, very good football player and was very, very close for me.
Those comments will offer encouragement to Dewsbury-Hall, who has previously spoken about being included in England’s provisional squads without making the final selection.
While Garner’s inclusion demonstrates that Tuchel is keeping a close eye on Everton, Dewsbury-Hall faces a different challenge because of the attacking midfield role the England manager believes suits him best.
Key Events Timeline
October 2020 — Joined Luton Town on a season-long loan, impressing across 40 Championship appearances.
May 2024 — Won the Championship title with Leicester after scoring 12 goals.
July 2024 — Joined Chelsea for £30m, reuniting with former Leicester boss Enzo Maresca.
August 2025 — Signed for Everton in a £25m deal after one season at Stamford Bridge.
May 2026 — Ended debut Everton season with eight Premier League goals and four assists.
Crucially, Tuchel’s comments suggest the midfielder is not being overlooked entirely.
Instead, he remains firmly within England’s wider selection picture, with his performances at club level continuing to attract attention.
For Dewsbury-Hall, the task now is to maintain his form and convince Tuchel that he deserves an opportunity in one of the most competitive areas of the England squad.
Everton's Jack Grealish during a warm up
Everton's Jack Grealish during a warm up