Ramblings of a Lad

Feature image courtesy of Sky Sports.

As a lifelong Chelsea fan, I was really happy to see Tuchel appointed as England manager. He’s a guy who, without a doubt, knows how to lead a team through a knockout tournament.

But this morning, I can’t help but to feel confused and disappointed. The world cup squad has just been announced, and to say that there’s some shocking inclusions and omissions is an understatement.

Firstly, let’s discuss the omissions. Not included in the squad are:

• Harry Maguire – one of England’s best defenders and leaders on the international stage, consistently for the last few years.
• Cole Palmer – while he didn’t have the best of seasons at club level, his quality cannot be denied. He could easily change a game by himself.
• Trent Alexander-Arnold – another player with immense quality. Again, he didn’t have the best of seasons – but for his versatility and passing ability alone, there’s a strong argument that he should be on the plane.
• Morgan Gibbs-White – the shining light in a Forest team that has struggled this season. He’ll feel hard-done-by that he didn’t get a look in.
• Lewis Hall – Another quality player. While Newcastle haven’t had the best season, Lewis Hall has still been great for them. He’s another player with great versatility, too.
• Curtis Jones – He started the season out of favour at Liverpool, and he’s done so well in his limited appearances that Arne Slot has almost no choice but to play him now. Only so many players can go, but I’m sure he’ll feel a little disappointed.
• Adam Wharton – Wharton has been hyped as one of England’s best young midfielders for a long time now, and there’s a really good reason for that. He’s quality, and he’s had another good season. There’s every chance he’ll win more silverware with Crystal Palace in a few days time, too.
• Danny Welbeck – He might be 35, but so are other names that have been included. He seems to be getting better with age, having his best season with Brighton yet. Compared to other names, there’s definitely a case to be made for Welbeck.

Some big names in that list. Like I said, there’s only 26 players who can go – and when you take a look at England’s best, there is always going to be a few quality players who have to miss out. But when we take a look at some of the players who are included, a lot of questions have to be asked.

• Dan Burn – Granted, he’s a great leader. Pops up in big games, is versatile, and a threat at set pieces. But has he had a better season than Lewis Hall?
• Tino Livramento – I rate Tino as much as the next guy. But he’s had a season plagued by injuries, playing just 17 times in the league for Newcastle this season. He can play on both sides, but does he really deserve this spot over others?
• Jarell Quansah – a lot of people have been slating Quansah – but Bundesliga watchers know that he’s actually had a pretty solid season. Regardless, I think including him in the world cup squad over Maguire is scandalous.
• Djed Spence – Another fullback who can play on both sides- I suppose Tuchel likes that. Still, though, he’s had a very hot and cold season, battling relegation with Spurs. Definitely shouldn’t be included over other names we’ve mentioned.
• John Stones – one of the more baffling inclusions. John Stones has made just 8 premier league appearances for City this season, with 4 of those coming from the bench. He’s spent most of the season struggling with injuries, but he’s also rarely been chosen when fit – being left on the bench in 15 league games this season. Why he has been included, especially over someone like Maguire, is beyond me.
• Jordan Henderson – This conversation is had for every single England camp. I get it. He’s a great leader, he still has some quality left in the tank, he’s had a decent season with Brentford, etc etc… But to include him over Wharton or Gibbs White is astonishing.
• Noni Madueke – Firstly, he’s a player who’s proven to have attitude problems. Secondly, he has not completed a full 90 in the league this season. In 25 appearances, he has made 10 as a substitute and been substituted in 15. He’s struggled to make an impact in his limited minutes, with 2 goals and 1 assist. I personally don’t think that Jarrod Bowen should be included, but he would deserve a call-up over Madueke.
• Ivan Toney – Since Tuchel was appointed as England manager, Toney has played just 2 minutes for England. Why is he in favour now? Not to mention his gambling issue, his attitude problems, etc etc. He does not deserve to be in this squad over the likes of Welbeck.

There’s a case to be made for other players, too. Anthony Gordon hasn’t had his best season, and Morgan Rogers (despite putting up his best numbers yet) has been inconsistent at times for Villa. Eze, too, who has struggled to make an impact after his move to Arsenal.

Really though, the shock inclusions for me are Toney and Stones. Stones has barely played for his club and is on the way out in the summer, and Toney hasn’t even been considered for England for some time now. Nothing has changed about the numbers he’s putting up in Saudi Arabia, either. He’s been scoring goals for fun ever since arriving there.

In what is already shaping up to be one of the most interesting and controversial world cups ever, I can only see this going one of two ways.

Either we all end up worshipping Tuchel, and calling him a genius – or people will be calling for him to be sacked as soon as our tournament is over. No in-between.

Let’s hope for the former.