Thomas Tuchel's potential first England XI

With Thomas Tuchel set to pick his first England squad for the World Cup qualifiers on Thursday 13th March 2025, it begs the question as to who will make the German's first starting XI.

Having not managed at international level before, picking your first Three Lions squad is by no means an easy task, especially given the abundance of quality he has to choose from.

We take a look at how England may line up in Thomas Tuchel's opening fixture in charge of England.

GK - Jordan Pickford

Perhaps the position that Thomas Tuchel will need to think the least about is the goalkeeper.

Jordan Pickford, irrespective of how he may be judged when in between the sticks for Everton, has been exceptional when representing England, contributing to the nation's near success at Euro 2024.

RB - Reece James

With Ben White's England career still up in the air and Kyle Walker having endured a disappointing start to the 2024/25 campaign with Manchester City before his move to AC Milan, Reece James may be due a chance in the England starting XI as he is reunited with his former manager.

James, who starred in Chelsea's UEFA Champions League-winning campaign under Tuchel in 2020/21, has recently returned from injury, and with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to be sidelined for the international break, England's new boss may give the Chelsea captain a chance to kick-start his England career.

CB - Marc Guehi

While Harry Maguire and John Stones have been dependable servants for the nation in recent years, Tuchel may opt for a centre back pairing that are playing regular minutes and performing consistently.

Marc Guehi is the first of two central defenders that Tuchel may select in his starting XI, having shone for Crystal Palace since signing in 2021.

CB - Ezri Konsa

While Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa make up a relatively inexperienced partnership at the heart of England's defence, both are heading into the international break in fine form for their respective clubs.

Konsa has been integral to Aston Villa's 2024/25 campaign, offering his services as both a central defender and a right-back. His ability to play in numerous positions across the back four will be admired by Tuchel, as will his recovery speed, potentially allowing the German to opt for a higher defensive line both in and out of possession.

LB - Levi Colwill

England regular Luke Shaw will likely miss out on the squad through injury, while Ben Chilwell may see a return to international action having earned important minutes for Crystal Palace recently.

With that said, Tuchel may opt for a more reserved left-back choice in the form of Levi Colwill.

The versatile central defender may offer more protection to the newly formed centre back partnership, whilst also giving Tuchel the option to revert to a favourable back three when in possession, allowing Alexander-Arnold the freedom to advance into more attacking positions where he can be more impactful on the ball.

CM - Declan Rice

The fact that very few people question Declan Rice's £100m price tag is enough of an indication as to why he walks into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI.

Once again proving vital to Arsenal in the 2024/25 campaign, Rice's athleticism could prove indispensable. If partnered with Jude Bellingham, he will be crucial in carrying out key defensive duties, allowing Bellingham to occupy more advanced areas.

CM - Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham's rise to the top of European football has been nothing short of remarkable. The Birmingham City academy product is no longer an exciting prospect, but instead a superstar for 15-time UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid.

While Bellingham's ability to play in numerous positions has served him well in his club career, it arguably led to him being misplaced in Gareth Southgate's starting XI at the 2024 EUROs campaign.

Tuchel may utilise Bellingham in a more natural box-to-box midfield role alongside Declan Rice, as opposed to an attacking midfield role where he can become isolated from the play.

RW - Jarrod Bowen

The absence of Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer could play into the hands of Jarrod Bowen, who could be given the chance to impress in Tuchel's first game in charge.

While West Ham's number 20 is by no means a flashy forward who specialises in using skill to beat his opponent, he is extremely effective in front of goal, rarely needing more than one clear-cut chance to find the net.

CAM - Morgan Rogers

When Morgan Rogers made the £8m move from Middlesbrough to Aston Villa in 2024, even he would have found it hard to believe that just over a year later he would be in contention to start for England.

Rogers has contributed to 15 goals in the 2024/25 Premier League campaign for Aston Villa, whilst also impressing in the UEFA Champions League.

It is more than just his output that makes him a standout contender for the attacking midfield role, with his aggressive and direct style of play making him a nightmare for defenders.

LW - Anthony Gordon

The £40m fee that Newcastle paid for Anthony Gordon was questioned in 2023, but it now looks a steal in a heavily inflated market.

The Liverpudlian will help provide width in Tuchel's setup, allowing the likes of Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers to occupy the half-spaces. That said, Gordon is also proficient when taking up a narrower role and can provide a direct goal threat.

ST - Harry Kane

While the likes of Ollie Watkins and Liam Delap have put forward cases to be involved in Tuchel's squad, it is highly unlikely that any centre forward competitors will stand a chance over Harry Kane.

A specialist in finishing, Kane is England's all-time top goalscorer, and his recent form for Bayern Munich suggests that he is only going to extend his lead at the top of the scoring charts for his country.