The Three Lions boss has been spotted at grounds across the Premier League as he gets his feet under the desk, but what are the big issues facing him?
Thomas Tuchel has officially begun work as England manager, and he has wasted no time in casting his eye over the options available to him. The German tactician was spotted at no fewer than four Premier League games across his first weekend in the job as as he starts to piece together plans for his first squad in March.
The new Three Lions boss has inherited something of a transitional group from the newly-knighted Gareth Southgate, who was in charge for eight successful years. Tuchel therefore faces some big decisions as he attempts to make his imprint and move in a new direction ahead of the 2026 World Cup in 18 months' time.
But as he gets his feet under the desk and makes his way to plenty of games, what are the key issues Tuchel must address before he names his first squad and picks his first XI for the clash with Albania on March 21?
Getty Images SportThe left-back problem
Arguably the biggest decision facing Tuchel is who will play on the left flank in his defence – a choice he needs to get right for both the short and long-term with England looking alarmingly short of fit or in-form options.
Previous first-choice Luke Shaw has endured another injury-plagued campaign to date with Manchester United, seeing just 98 minutes of action across only three appearances. After a 'small' setback in December, he still hasn't returned.
Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell – a stalwart of Tuchel's Champions League-winning Chelsea side – has somehow seen even less game time, playing just once despite being fit as Enzo Maresca prioritises other options at Stamford Bridge.
Shaw might be back soon, but options are still very thin on the ground nonetheless, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall, whom Tuchel knows from their time together at Stamford Bridge, having made his debut back in November having established himself as Eddie Howe's preferred starter for the Magpies.
It would be little surprise, either, if the coach was keeping tabs on Ipswich's Leif Davis in the run-up to his first squad announcement – a player who has so far gone under England's radar and is uncapped even at youth level. The 25-year-old – who can also play at wing-back – has been one of the Tractor Boys' standout performers, chipping in with four goal involvements in a newly-promoted side that has often toiled.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportIs Delap ready?
Could there be two Ipswich players in Tuchel's first England squad? Striker Liam Delap is currently commanding the German's consideration, although the new England manager is yet to watch him in person.
A centre-forward who combines brutish physicality with excellent touch, technique and finishing ability, the 21-year-old has already proven he is Premier League-ready with 10 goal involvements in 19 games and is currently the joint highest-scoring English striker in the division.
Delap is still raw, but with Harry Kane's current understudy Ollie Watkins looking somewhat out of sorts so far in 2024-25, he is surely on course to be given his chance if he can maintain this form over the next couple of months.
For a time it seemed there was no clear long-term successor to Kane, but with 18 months until the World Cup, this could be the perfect moment to integrate a potential heir.
Getty ImagesTactics, tactics, tactics
While Tuchel became renowned for the effectiveness of his three-at-the-back formations during his time in English football with Chelsea, that is not necessarily his preferred tactical shape.
It is certainly a bonus that the many of the players in the Three Lions set-up are accustomed to playing with a back three under Southgate, but Tuchel has also frequently used a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 in recent years across his time with Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and in west London – with the former his go-to at Bayern Munich.
Revered as a highly-adaptable master tactician, much will depend on which players he feels will fit which system. Given the attacking riches at his disposal, Tuchel may not want to sacrifice a potentially potent forward line by deploying a more pragmatic back three.
As we've mentioned, left-wing back will be a problem area, too, unless Shaw is fit, and Kieran Trippier – who was often used out of position on the left under the previous regime – has retired at international level. Harry Maguire's return to form is timely given he is adept in the heart of a back three, but the Three Lions also look short of options at right wing-back.
Getty ImagesPalmer or Foden?
Whatever formation the manager does eventually pip for, getting the attacking constellation right poses a significant challenge. Kane may be an unquestionable starter, but Tuchel's selections on the wings and in attacking midfield are certain to draw scrutiny.
Southgate drew widespread criticism in the final days of his tenure for standing staunchly by Phil Foden at Euro 2024 despite his obvious struggles, while in-form Cole Palmer was left to warm the bench throughout the tournament, making a mockery of that decision by assisting in the semi-final and scoring a brilliant equaliser against Spain in the Berlin showpiece.
Form dictates that this should be a far easier call for Tuchel, with Foden's malaise dragging into the club season, while Palmer shows no signs of slowing down with 19 goal involvements to his name in 20 Premier League games.
Much will depend on whether Tuchel wants to use Jude Bellingham as a No.10 or in a deeper playmaking role, but at present there is little doubt that Chelsea's talisman should be a guaranteed starter in this new-look England side. Foden has work to do before March rolls around.
