The squad announcement has already sparked considerable debate, with Tuchel opting for a blend of established stars and emerging talents, while also making some bold omissions that have left many scratching their heads.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed with the talent pool available to me,” Tuchel stated in a press conference following the announcement. “This squad represents my vision for the future of England. We have a good mix of experience and youth, and players who I believe can implement the style of play I want to see.”

While established names like Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and Jude Bellingham rightfully occupy their places, the inclusion of several uncapped players has caught the eye. Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze, who has been in scintillating form this season, earns his first senior call-up, reflecting Tuchel’s apparent commitment to rewarding performance. Similarly, Brentford striker Ivan Toney, having served his FA ban, is back in contention, potentially offering Kane some much-needed competition and tactical flexibility upfront.

However, the real talking points surround the exclusions. Raheem Sterling, consistently a key figure under Southgate, misses out, citing tactical reasons. “Raheem is a fantastic player, but I felt that other players currently fit better into the system I have in mind,” Tuchel explained, hinting at a potential shift in England’s attacking approach.