Thomas Tuchel will name his first-ever England squad in March for a couple of World Cup qualifiers, but how many Chelsea players will be included in his selection?
There’s no doubt that Thomas Tuchel, 51, is still fondly appreciated at Chelsea by the fanbase because of the rollercoaster time he spent as their manager. The German boss was a huge character during his 20 months at Stamford Bridge, winning the Champions League as part of his success.
Now, he’s replaced Gareth Southgate as the permanent manager of the England national team.
Jamie Carragher wants the England side built around Chelsea’s Palmer, along with Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham. The Three Lions fans don’t have long to find out what this new era of the international side will look like under Tuchel.
Predicting how many Chelsea players make England manager Thomas Tuchel’s ‘top 50’ list
According to The Telegraph, Tuchel has compiled his England ‘top 50’ list during a busy couple of months in his role. Apparently, he’s shortlisted around 50 of the best English players as he prepares to name his first squad in March.
We’ve taken a look at the English players in the Chelsea squad and predicted whether or not they make Tuchel’s ‘top 50’.
Reece James
Even though Chelsea captain Reece James is desperately short of football in recent seasons due to injuries, it must be in his favour that the new England manager knows exactly what he can do on the pitch. The 25-year-old right-back played some of his very best ever football when Tuchel coached him a few years ago.
Darren Bent is a gigantic fan of Chelsea star James, but he can’t decide if Tuchel would draft him into his England plans.
At the very least, we believe the full-back will be on the initial shortlist because of his talent alone.
Verdict: Yes
Tosin Adarabioyo
Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, 27, represented England at various youth levels. He’s never gone on and made his senior international debut, though.
The central defender is enjoying a pretty steady debut season for the Blues right now, but we’d be surprised if his name is considered by Tuchel at this stage.
Verdict: No
Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah would be a surprise name in the England squad if he makes the cut in March. However, we guess that he may actually be an individual in the ‘top 50’.
Back in January 2024, Tuchel wanted to sign Chalobah when he was Bayern Munich manager. Let’s see if he’s tempted to work with the 25-year-old centre-half in 2025.
Verdict: Yes
Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill, 21, should still be regarded as one of England’s best young centre-backs, even if his individual form is a bit suspect in recent weeks. Surely, he’s on Tuchel’s longer shortlist, plus in the running for the final squad in March.
Verdict: Yes
Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong only made the jump up from the Chelsea academy to their first-team group during this season, so he’s not anyone we expect to be in England senior contention just yet.
In a couple of years time, the versatile 18-year-old defender could be a more genuine shout, depending on the rate of his development.
Verdict: No
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
We doubt that Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 26, even has a first England call-up on his mind right now because of how underwhelming his debut season is going at Chelsea.
Dewsbury-Hall dreams of playing for England. Unless something drastic changes, it’s hard to imagine how he gets his wish because he’s disappointed since his transfer from Leicester City.
Verdict: No
Noni Madueke
Blues winger Noni Madueke, 22, must have a good chance of being in Tuchel’s thoughts, especially after his international impact under interim England boss Lee Carsley in 2024.
Back in January, Madueke explained details of a conversation with Tuchel.
The only thing that may prevent him getting into Tuchel’s first squad is the injury he picked up in the last match. Speaking straight after Chelsea’s Premier League defeat to Brighton, Blues head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that Madueke could be out for a while.
Verdict: Yes
Cole Palmer
Not only would we guess Cole Palmer is included in the ‘top 50’ list, but we’d say he’ll be one of the first names on it. Even if the 22-year-old attacking midfielder isn’t at his very best right now, he’s one of the most talented players in the country right now.
Speaking back in December, Tuchel admitted he’s very impressed by Palmer’s qualities at Chelsea.
It’s worth remembering that Palmer scored in the final of Euro 2024 for England during their agonising defeat to Spain.
Verdict: Yes
Jadon Sancho
Even though Jadon Sancho has 23 senior England caps, he’s not represented his country since 2021.
The appointment of Tuchel should have rekindled his hopes of getting back into the national team, but we doubt the winger’s done enough this season to make a strong enough case for himself. In 22 Blues appearances this campaign, he’s scored two goals and created six assists.
Verdict: No
Tyrique George
Like Acheampong, Tyrique George is fairly new around Chelsea’s main group after his promotion from the U21s.
The 19-year-old winger doesn’t feel like a realistic option for England as his career is in its infancy. For now, he must be focused on netting his first senior goal because he’s yet to score in his opening 12 first-team appearances.
Verdict: No
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