Thomas Tuchel is set to name his first squad as England manager in March. The new Three Lions boss has a wide range of talent to choose from, but which uncapped players could receive the call-up?
Tuchel has attended several Premier League games since his appointment, with the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying campaign looming. The England boss takes charge of his first game on March 21 against Albania.
Who will Tuchel call up for England?
Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Myles Lewis-Skelly has burst onto the scene for Arsenal in what has been a campaign full of promise for the 18-year-old. With the Gunners suffering from injuries to key men, the Hale End graduate has been fast-tracked into Mikel Arteta’s plans.
The Arsenal man has played at left-back this season but spent most of his academy days as a midfielder. However, this may play into Lewis-Skelly’s hands as the left side of defence has been a problem area for England in recent years.
Luke Shaw has been sidelined for most of this season due to injuries, meaning his position in the England squad is at risk. Likewise, Ben Chilwell has only played 30 minutes of Premier League football in 2024/25.
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly a big fan of the Arsenal starlet. According to Sami Mokbel, Lewis-Skelly has caught the eye of England scouts this season.
He recently starred in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Manchester City, scoring his first Gunners goal in the process.
It can only be a matter of time before the Hale End graduate dons the white shirt of England.
Liam Delap (Ipswich Town)
Liam Delap made the move from Manchester City to Ipswich Town in the summer. The Tractor Boys returned to the Premier League for the first time since 2002, giving Delap a chance to shine in the top flight.
The striker has certainly made the most of the opportunity. Delap has recorded an impressive ten Premier League goals in a difficult campaign for Kieran McKenna’s side.
With Harry Kane almost guaranteed to be in Tuchel’s England squad, Delap will face fierce competition for the role of support striker.
However, the calibre of opposition that England will face in World Cup qualifying could present an opportunity.
An outing against Albania or Latvia could provide Delap with a chance to earn his first England cap. If he impresses Tuchel, the striker could become a Three Lions regular.
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
It appears that Elliot Anderson has chosen to represent England over Scotland. The Nottingham Forest midfielder made his England U21 debut in September.
Jack Gaughan revealed that putting on a Three Lions jersey made Anderson pledge his allegiance to Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Anderson has had a stellar campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo, registering six goal contributions from midfield.
The Newcastle academy graduate’s versatility is something that could appeal to Tuchel. Anderson can play anywhere in midfield as well as on the left wing.
The Three Lions have struggled to find a suitable partner for Declan Rice since Euro 2020. Angel Gomes impressed under Lee Carsley, but Anderson may fancy his chances to become an England regular.
Similarly to Delap, a chance to impress in World Cup qualifying could help Anderson establish himself in the Three Lions setup.
Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)
According to Sami Mokbel, Tuchel is not limiting his squad selection to just top-flight players.
Jobe Bellingham, brother of England star Jude Bellingham, is being considered for a Three Lions call-up.
The Sunderland midfielder has starred in the Championship as the Black Cats look to make a return to the Premier League.
Bellingham can play anywhere in midfield and also lead the line on occasion. As with Anderson, his versatility may interest Tuchel.
It remains to be seen whether Bellingham will continue his development in the youth teams or receive a first England cap, but the midfielder certainly has the ability to play for the Three Lions.
James Trafford (Burnley)
Another Championship star in the running for a first cap is James Trafford. The goalkeeper has been excellent for Burnley this season.
Trafford has received a call-up in the past but did not play a minute for the Three Lions.
The Burnley stopper has not conceded a goal in 2025, as the Clarets went 1,000 minutes without conceding after their clean sheet against Preston on Saturday.
A staggering save percentage of 87.5% means Trafford has only conceded 12.5% of the shots that he has faced this season.
Jordan Pickford is almost nailed on to be England’s first-choice goalkeeper, but Trafford could provide fierce competition for the Everton man.
Trafford and Bellingham are surely the two Championship players most likely to receive the call-up from Tuchel in March.
FAQs: Tuchel’s First England Squad Selections
🔹 When will Thomas Tuchel announce his first England squad?
Thomas Tuchel is expected to name his first England squad in March 2025, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
🔹 Which uncapped players could get an England call-up?
Some top uncapped stars in contention include Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland), and James Trafford (Burnley).
🔹 What changes will Thomas Tuchel make to the England squad?
Tuchel is reportedly open to selecting Championship players, with Bellingham and Trafford both strong contenders. He may also address issues in England’s left-back depth.