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The best England XI of players omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s first squad
Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad announcement has got fans talking. With the omission of in-form talents and recalls for ageing names, the German is already facing criticism in some parts.
England have an abundance of talent and a look at this left-out XI is a case and point. We’ve excluded injured players, so there’s no place for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, John Stones, Kobbie Mainoo or Ollie Watkins.
Where would this omitted England XI finish in the Premier League table? Let us know in the comments below.
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope – Newcastle United
Four goalkeepers have been named in the England squad but there’s no place for Pope. The 10-cap shot-stopper has endured a tough time with injury of late but recently returned to the Newcastle side.
Centre-back: Ben White – Arsenal
Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Ben White is open to re-joining the England fold after a spat with the previous coaching staff. However, the Arsenal defender was not selected and seemingly has work to do to break back into the fold.
Centre-back: Jarrad Branthwaite – Everton
One of the most high-profile exclusions from the squad. Even the absence of John Stones and Harry Maguire did not lead to involvement for Branthwaite, a baffling decision given his clear ceiling. The 22-year-old is quick across the ground, two-footed and dominant aerially, ranking third in the Premier League for percentage of dribblers tackled (80%) and ninth for clearances this season.
Centre-back: Fikayo Tomori – AC Milan
Does Fikayo Tomori regret choosing England? Previously eligible to represent Canada or Nigeria, he’s been handed just five caps since his debut in 2019. That sporadic involvement comes despite making 167 appearances for AC Milan over the last four seasons.
Midfield: Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace
England are crying out for a midfielder in Adam Wharton’s mould but Thomas Tuchel has overlooked the 21-year-old this month. His absence could be due to a recent return from injury, but he’s hit the ground running at Palace. Given England’s lack of options at six and eight, a midfielder with his attributes would be welcomed.
Midfield: Conor Gallagher – Atletico Madrid
Conor Gallagher became the first Englishman to score in a Madrid derby during the week. Despite winning the admiration of Diego Simeone for his tenacious off-the-ball work, Gallagher will spend the upcoming break watching on from afar.
Midfield: Morgan Gibbs-White – Nottingham Forest
Perhaps no excludee will feel as hard done by as Morgan Gibbs-White. A driving force in Nottingham Forest’s pursuit of Champions League qualification, he has 11 goal involvements in 24 league appearances this season. In-form teammates Callum Hudson-Odoi and Elliot Anderson can also count themselves unfortunate.
Right-wing: Jamie Gittens – Borussia Dortmund
Has Thomas Tuchel checked in on his former side of late? There’s certainly an Englishman making waves at the Westfalenstadion. It’s been a breakout year for Jamie Gittens, who has scored 11 goals in all competitions for the German side. The 20-year-old has been a brilliant watch, leading the Bundesliga for progressive carries and successful take-ons per game this season.
Left-wing: James Maddison – Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs’ struggles this season have dented James Maddison’s hopes of England inclusion, despite his own productive form. Maddison has nine league goals and a further five assists, averaging a Premier League goal involvement every 107 minutes.
Forward: Ivan Toney – Al-Ahli
When Ivan Toney waved goodbye to the Premier League last summer, some suggested it was the end of his time as an England squad regular. Toney’s omission this week cements that view, despite the 28-year-old doing all he can to stay in the mix. He’s scored 16 goals in 21 league games for Al-Ahlii, level with Karim Benzema in the Saudi Pro League. Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Abderrazak Hamdallah (18) have netted more.
Ivan Toney has the same amount of goals as Karim Benzema (16) and only one fewer than Cristiano Ronaldo (17) in the Saudi Pro League this season️ pic.twitter.com/CPKFnZZ9Mv
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 1, 2025
Forward: Liam Delap – Ipswich Town
Harry Kane might be the best centre-forward in world football right now but the England captain will not go on forever. Leading the queue to be his long-term heir is Liam Delap, who has taken to his first top-flight campaign like a duck to water. The 22-year-old has scored 10 goals in 26 league starts for a struggling Ipswich team and has the tools to thrive at a higher level. Surely, his time will come.
Read – Tuchel era to begin with questions amid regressive squad selection
See more – Tuchel names first England squad with two new faces
See more – Tuchel names first England squad with two new faces
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