Tuchel’s Call Slammed as Ridiculous
Thomas Tuchel’s first squad pick as England manager is already causing a stir. Before even coaching his first game, Tuchel’s feeling the heat. His choice to bring back Jordan Henderson, who many thought was done with playing for his country, is getting a lot of flak. Tuchel’s Decision Slammed as ‘Absolute Joke.
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The German coach, who took over after Gareth Southgate left after EURO 2024, picked a squad with four possible first-timers. But Henderson’s inclusion is what everyone’s talking about, surprising fans and experts alike.
Henderson’s Unexpected Return
It seemed like Henderson’s last game for England was in November 2023. His move to Saudi Arabia and then to Ajax suggested he wouldn’t play internationally anymore, especially after not making the EURO 2024 squad that reached the final. Even though he’s had trouble getting regular starts at Ajax, Tuchel brought him back, a move many are questioning because England has lots of options in midfield.
Tuchel is sticking to his guns, though, defending Henderson before England’s World Cup qualifier against Albania.
He wins all the time, he’s got a great personality – he holds teams together, Tuchel said. I believe in him, and when I do, the team usually gets better.
Michael Bridges Tears Into Tuchel’s Pick
One of the loudest critics is Michael Bridges, a former Premier League striker. He called Henderson’s inclusion a bad choice, saying Tuchel’s not making sense.
It’s a joke that Jordan Henderson is in there, Bridges said on The Optus Sport Football Podcast. He went to Saudi Arabia and couldn’t even play there—he was that bad. Now he’s at Ajax, can’t play well, argues with journalists about leaving, and Tuchel says he’s good for team morale?
Bridges was annoyed that young players like Morgan Gibbs-White were left out for Henderson at first. Gibbs-White was added later after Cole Palmer got injured, but Bridges thinks the initial choice is a bad sign.
I was mad when I saw Henderson’s name and not Gibbs-White’s, Bridges said. I thought, ‘Here we go—Tuchel’s gonna mess with England’s future!’
A New Way of Doing Things?
Despite the drama, some experts see good things in Tuchel’s squad picks. Phil Kitromilides, a European football analyst, said the squad feels new, with young players getting chances.
There are players in this squad who wouldn’t have been picked before, Kitromilides said. Tuchel is rewarding young players who are playing well, like Miles Lewis-Skelly at Arsenal, Jarrell Quansah at Liverpool, and Dan Burn at Newcastle.
Kitromilides also thinks another young star should’ve been picked over big names like Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford.
I’m shocked Ethan Nwaneri isn’t there, he said about the 17-year-old Arsenal midfielder. I’d pick him over Foden and Rashford.
Foden has been playing better recently after a tough start to the season, and Rashford is trying to turn things around on loan at Aston Villa after problems at Manchester United.
Experience vs. Form: A Tough Choice
Mark Schwarzer, a former Socceroo, talked about picking players based on how they’re playing now versus their past experience. He said it’s hard to keep the team consistent while also rewarding players who are on a hot streak.
It’s tough being a national team manager. Do you pick based on current form, or do you stick with experienced players who have done well before but are struggling now? Schwarzer said.
He used Foden as an example, asking if the Manchester City star should lose his spot, even if he’s been struggling.
If you only go by form, you’d have a different squad every month. Sometimes, you need players who might not be playing their best for their club but can still do the job internationally.
England’s World Cup Starts
With Tuchel’s first squad already causing arguments, everyone will be watching England as they play Albania. Will Henderson prove his doubters wrong, or will Tuchel face even more criticism?
Watch all the action live on Optus Sport in Australia.
