. It is both exciting and unpredictable, on the eve of Thomas Tuchel’s first squad announcement, writes Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett.
The new man cannot afford any long-termism. He has been given an 18-month contract with a single goal: to win the World Cup in 2026.
So, when it comes to this squad announcement, he could be forgiven for focussing on the here and now, and not concerning himself with players who might be coming into their prime for the next Euros in 2028.
Tuchel has a reputation for preferring older, more experienced players to make up the backbone of his teams.
That said, he has not been afraid of giving young players their opportunity, in his time as a club manager at three of the biggest in Europe – PSG, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, so long as he thinks they are the best current option at his disposal.
Look at Lewis Hall and Trevor Chalobah (as well as Xavier Simons, Harvey Vale and Jude Soonsup-Bell), who Tuchel gave Chelsea debuts to, as an example.
However, we should remember that Tuchel has a very different DNA to that of his predecessor.
DNA is an apt term to use here, because Gareth Southgate was the archetypal FA man, someone who played 57 times for his country, someone who had the “England pathway” in his blood, believing instinctively in the fundamental benefits of all the England teams training alongside each other at the National Football Centre at St George’s Park.
Having been U21s manager his philosophy was to promote youth, develop young players for the future and wherever possible, slowly integrate the up-and-coming future England stars into the senior set up.
By contrast, Tuchel was given the job because of his record of winning major club trophies, his tactical nous and his ability to get teams over the line. The FA has put all their store in trying to win the World Cup in 2026 with Tuchel at the helm. His will be a very different approach to the role …
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