England has gone in a new direction with German coach Thomas Tuchel. The young but experienced coach has won the Champions League with Chelsea. Tuchel has also won major trophies with Dortmund and PSG. He has most recently been in charge of Bayern Munich where he found success however, it was short-lived.
Tuchel has been known for his brilliant knockout record, reaching numerous finals and winning major European trophies. The German is now regarded as one of the best managers in the world and has now decided to dive into the international sector.
Tuchel will be looking at how to improve this England team, as he has been brought in to bring a Major trophy home for the first time since 1966. Today, we will look at who Tuchel will have an eye on; if that means young talents coming through or ex-players who flourished under his management.
Liam Delap- Ipswich Town
Liam Delap, a 21-year-old English striker, has rapidly emerged as a formidable presence in the Premier League, currently playing for Ipswich Town. His playing style is characterized by a combination of physicality, speed, and technical prowess, making him a versatile and dynamic forward. Many have been shocked by the young Englishman however, he is proving his abilities in the most competitive league in the world.
Since joining Ipswich Town from Manchester City for £20 million, Delap has scored seven goals in 18 league games, underscoring his role as a key offensive asset. In a recent fixture against Aston Villa, Delap’s performance was instrumental in securing a 2-2 draw, where he scored a crucial goal, exemplifying his ability to influence high-stakes matches.
With Delap's form in the first half of the season has attracted major interest from major European clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United. He has also been tipped by fans and pundits to replace England's all-time top goal scorer Harry Kane.
Skills and Playing Style:
Delap’s robust build allows him to hold off defenders effectively, making him a significant aerial threat and a reliable target man. Gittens's acceleration and speed enable him to make penetrating runs behind defensive lines, adding a critical dimension to Ipswich’s attacking strategies.
Delap also exhibits commendable ball control and dribbling skills, facilitating quick turns and the ability to navigate through tight defensive setups. Then to top this off, the young Englishman possesses a keen eye for goal, demonstrating composure and precision in front of the net, contributing significantly to his goal tally.
Delap’s development trajectory suggests a promising future, with his blend of physical attributes and technical skills positioning him as one of England’s most exciting young talents in football. Tuchel will find it very hard to ignore the young striker!
Jamie Gittens- Borussia Dortmund
Jamie Gittens, the 20-year-old English winger for Borussia Dortmund, has been a standout performer in the 2024–2025 season. After overcoming injuries in previous seasons, he has demonstrated significant growth and consistency.
Season Highlights:
Gittens has made 17 league appearances, contributing 7 goals and 3 assists. His dynamic play on the flanks has been instrumental in Dortmund’s attacking strategies. Gittens has been brilliant in the Champions League. In the UEFA Champions League, he has participated in 6 matches, scoring 4 goals. Notably, he scored twice as a substitute in a 3–0 victory against Club Brugge, earning the Player of the Match award.
Opening Day Brilliance: Gittens began the season impressively by scoring two goals as a substitute in Dortmund’s 2–0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on the opening day of the Bundesliga.
Recognition and Future Prospects:
Gittens’ performances have drawn comparisons to former Dortmund stars Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham. His speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring abilities have marked him as one of the most promising young talents in European football. Fans and analysts are optimistic about his potential contributions to both club and country in the coming years.
Tuchel will look abroad at his former club and have very good connections to see how Gittens's good progress is coming along. England has some excellent wide players, however Tuchel believes that Gittens can bring pace and directness to his team. Tuchel is known for his fast-paced attacks and utilising his wingers, Gittens would be perfect for this.
Trent Alexander Arnold
This may be a surprise inclusion as the talented right-back has been in the England camp many times. However, Arnold has never been utilised well within the England squad. With Tuchel known to play wing-backs, he may want to use the right back with more attacking intent. Fans have cried out for Arnold to replicate his form, as he is known to be one of the best right-backs in the world. In almost any other national team he would be a guaranteed starter. Tuchel will look at this situation and there is almost a guarantee that not only he will be picked for squads but he will be utilised more in the first team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold who is 26 years old is known for his exceptional passing, vision, and set-piece ability, he is considered one of the best-attacking full-backs in modern football.
Career Highlights:
● Liverpool Success: Integral to Liverpool’s Premier League (2019–20) and UEFA Champions League (2018–19) triumphs.
● Records: Holds the record for most assists by a defender in a Premier League season (13 in 2019–20).
● Versatility: Recently transitioned into a hybrid midfield role, showcasing his creativity and playmaking.
Individual Accolades:
● Named in multiple PFA Team of the Year selections.
● Awarded the Premier League Young Player of the Season (2019–20).
Alexander-Arnold’s blend of technical skill and tactical intelligence makes him a generational talent and a cornerstone for his club and now he’s ready to make that stamp for the country. With Tuchel being very attacking and consistent with his attacking style of play to get the ball into the striker as soon as possible Arnold could be the perfect wingback for his system.
Mason Mount
One player who has struggled since his move to Manchester United is Mason Mount. The English player was incredible at Chelsea under Tuchel’s management.
Mason Mount enjoyed significant success under the management of Thomas Tuchel during the German coach’s tenure at Chelsea from January 2021 to September 2022. Mount emerged as a pivotal figure in Tuchel’s system, showcasing his versatility, work rate, and creativity. Here’s an overview of Mount’s achievements and contributions during this period:
Key Successes:
1. Champions League Triumph (2020–21):
Mount played a crucial role in Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League-winning campaign under Tuchel. Assisting Kai Havertz’s goal in the final against Manchester City, securing a 1–0 victory. Mount was a standout performer throughout the competition, excelling in high-pressure situations.
2. Club World Cup Victory (2021):
Mount contributed to Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup success, adding another prestigious trophy to his collection.
3. UEFA Super Cup (2021):
Played a key role as Chelsea defeated Villarreal to secure the UEFA Super Cup title.
Individual Performances:
Tactical Role:
Mount was deployed primarily as an attacking midfielder or wide forward in Tuchel’s 3-4-3 system. His pressing, positional awareness and ability to link midfield with attack were integral to Tuchel’s high-intensity, possession-based style. Tuchel frequently praised Mount for his ability to adapt to different roles, whether in central midfield, as a No. 10, or on the wing. His energy and tactical discipline made him a favourite in Tuchel’s setup.
Goal Contributions:
2020–21 Season (Post-Tuchel Appointment): Mount recorded 6 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League.
2021–22 Season: Mount reached double figures in both goals (11) and assists (10) in the Premier League, becoming Chelsea’s top scorer and assist provider for the season.
4. Recognition:
● Named Chelsea’s Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons (2020–21 and 2021–22).
● Praised by Tuchel for his consistency, leadership qualities, and ability to deliver in crucial moments..
Tuchel’s Praise for Mount:
● Tuchel frequently highlighted Mount’s “exceptional work ethic, tactical intelligence, and team-first mentality.”
● Referred to him as a “complete package” who could contribute defensively and offensively.
● Tuchel emphasized Mount’s importance as a leader, despite his young age.
Mason Mount’s growth under Tuchel was pivotal in cementing his reputation as one of England’s brightest talents and a cornerstone of Chelsea’s midfield during this successful period. Now, there is no doubting Mount needs to improve his fitness and form for United. However, don’t be too surprised if you see Tuchel analysing Mount to explore if he can still do the Germans' system perfectly.
