England
Mick Brown
Thu 13 March 2025 11:07, UK
Thomas Tuchel is eyeing potential “surprise” options ahead of naming his first senior international squad as England manager on 14 March.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that naming his first squad is a “hugely important” decision for the boss.
Games against Albania and Latvia have been earmarked as opportunities for the boss to experiment with his options as he kicks off the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
This comes after interim boss Lee Carsley introduced the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Angel Gomes, Lewis Hall and Curtis Jones into the senior setup.
Brown told Football Insider on 25 February that Marcus Rashford is in contention for England amid concerns about Jack Grealish and Phil Foden’s form.
Meanwhile, Tuchel has also been spotted at Selhurst Park as he checks on the progress of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who is being watched by Tottenham and Man City.
England
Thomas Tuchel is set to name his first England senior squad on 14 March. (Credit: Getty Images)
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Thomas Tuchel weighs up first England squad selection
Tuchel was appointed as England boss on 16 October to a mixed reception – but attentions have already turned to the start of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience working closely with elite managers such as Ron Atkinson and Sir Alex Ferguson during over a decade at Man United, has insisted the boss’ first squad selection will be an interesting one to watch.
“Tuchel’s first squad will be interesting to see,” he told Football Insider.
“There will be a few surprise selections in there, Rashford was nowhere and now he is back transformed.
“They’re playing Albania and Latvia, they’re games you’d expect to be winning, so he could name a few who are maybe on the fringes to experiment.
“He’ll be looking at everybody available to him, and also he’ll be thinking about the future.
“It would give everybody a bit of inspiration if they believe the opportunity is there.
“I hear Tuchel is a fan of Adam Wharton as well, he’s been watching him at Palace in recent weeks.
“But it will certainly be interesting to see what he does and how his squad turns out.
“He’ll want to get off to a strong start, of course.
“It’s a hugely important moment for him and for England.”
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Arsenal duo tipped for involvement in Thomas Tuchel’s squad
As Tuchel continues to weigh up his squad selection, a number of players have been put forward ahead of potential first call-ups under the new manager.
Reports [the Mail] have claimed the performances of Arsenal duo Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have alerted the FA to their possible futures with England.
Nwaneri has previously been backed by Wayne Rooney to break into the senior set-up, and the 17-year-old could be included in Tuchel’s first squad on 14 February.
The winger has made 28 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, while 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly represents an interesting option at left-back after breaking into the Arsenal team.
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