England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to make at least two major changes for his second game in charge as team news is ‘leaked’ ahead of kick off.
According to Matt Law via The Telegraph Tuchel is set to hand Chelsea captain Reece James his first start since 2022, as well as Marc Guehi coming into the side.
Tuchel got off to the perfect start to life as an international coach on Friday, as his England side beat Albania 2-0 thanks to goals from Miles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane.
Marcus Rashford is also set to keep his place in the starting line-up according to Sky Sports, despite receiving criticism from Tuchel for his performance against Albania.
Ahead of the game Tuchel insisted he is happy to leave out players as he looks to find the perfect balance with his new side.
“We have to get the process right to find the best group,” he explained.
“If that means we leave very good and talented players out of the squad this can happen. In the next 16 months it is important we find the right team and not the most talented 26 players.
“We need to get the team right. We need to get the team spirit right because it’s one thing to play qualifiers, it’s another thing to play tournament football.”
More to follow…
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: England, Football, Reece James, Marc Guehi, Harry Kane
England Team News: Tuchel Expected to Make Changes for Latvia Match
England manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly preparing to make at least two significant changes to his starting lineup for the upcoming game against Latvia. This will be Tuchel's second match in charge of the national team, and team news has already begun to emerge ahead of the highly anticipated kickoff.
According to reports from Matt Law of The Telegraph, Tuchel is poised to give Chelsea's captain, Reece James, his first start for England since 2022. In addition to James, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is also expected to be included in the starting eleven.
Tuchel's England tenure began positively with a 2-0 victory over Albania in their previous match. Goals from promising youngster Miles Lewis-Skelly and captain Harry Kane secured the win, providing a solid foundation for Tuchel's reign.
Predicted Lineup Changes and Tuchel's Player Selection Philosophy
Despite facing criticism from Tuchel for his performance against Albania, Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup, according to Sky Sports sources. This suggests Tuchel sees value in Rashford despite his public comments and is seeking consistency in certain areas.
Ahead of the Latvia game, Tuchel emphasized his willingness to make tough decisions regarding player selection as he aims to construct the optimal team for England's future. His focus is on building a balanced and effective squad rather than simply fielding the most individually talented players.
Here are key points from Tuchel's statement regarding team selection:
- Process over Individuals: "We have to get the process right to find the best group."
- Tough Decisions Expected: "If that means we leave very good and talented players out of the squad this can happen."
- Team Balance for Long-Term Success: "In the next 16 months it is important we find the right team and not the most talented 26 players."
- Team Spirit is Crucial: "We need to get the team right. We need to get the team spirit right because it's one thing to play qualifiers, it's another thing to play tournament football."
These quotes highlight Tuchel's strategic approach to team management, prioritizing team cohesion and tactical fit over individual star power, particularly with major tournaments on the horizon. The expected changes for the Latvia match further illustrate this philosophy in action.
Stay tuned for further updates as more team news emerges...
Is Tuchel making the right calls? Share your thoughts on the predicted England lineup changes in the comments below!