Thomas Tuchel Makes Contact with Four England Players Ahead of First Squad Announcement
Thomas Tuchel has reached out to four Crystal Palace players, letting them know he was watching their Premier League match against Ipswich Town last weekend. This move strongly suggests these players will be included in Tuchel’s first England squad, set to be announced on Friday.
The German manager, who took over from Gareth Southgate following Euro 2024, has been diligently scouting English talent since his appointment. According to Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, Tuchel sent pre-match text messages to him and three teammates: Adam Wharton, Marc Guehi, and Eberechi Eze.
“I’ll be honest, I’d love to play for England this time around, I’d love to get a cap, another cap. I’m chasing that – it’s one of my goals,” Henderson revealed.
“He [Tuchel] texted before the game, and it’s nice to know that he’s watching. He wrote he’d be at the game and be in the stands watching, just wished me all the best.”
The 27-year-old goalkeeper added: “He did, alongside Adam [Wharton], Marc [Guehi] and Ebs [Eberechi Eze] as well, so it’s nice to know he’s watching.”
Palace Quartet Looking to Build on Euro 2024 Experience
All four Crystal Palace players were part of Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, though they had varying levels of involvement:
- Marc Guehi – Started all but one game during the tournament
- Eberechi Eze – Made limited appearances as a substitute
- Dean Henderson – Did not feature in any matches (2 caps overall)
- Adam Wharton – Did not play during the tournament
Henderson believes his current form makes him worthy of consideration: “All I can do is control what I can control – that’s my job for the team, and the way the manager wants me to play; showing up in big moments, which I have been doing, I’m really enjoying it. It’s the best football I’ve played in the last couple years, because I’m playing a lot.”
Tuchel’s personal communication with these players indicates his hands-on approach to national team management. It suggests he values direct contact with potential squad members and wants to observe them personally rather than relying solely on scouting reports.
According to reports, Tuchel has compiled an extensive shortlist of 55 players he’s considering for international duty. This thorough approach demonstrates his commitment to evaluating all available English talent before making his final selection.
The new manager’s first squad announcement will be closely scrutinized by fans and media alike, as it will provide the first real insight into his vision for the national team. The inclusion of multiple Crystal Palace players would represent significant recognition for the club’s development of English talent.
England’s upcoming international fixtures will provide the perfect opportunity for Tuchel to begin implementing his tactical philosophy and establishing relationships with his selected players. For fringe players like Henderson, these matches could represent a valuable chance to stake their claim for a regular place in the Three Lions setup.
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