Thomas Tuchel is already acquainted with several England internationals from his time at Chelsea.
For example, the German has already worked with the likes of Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Mason Mount.
Of course, there is a possibility that none of those players get included in Tuchel’s first England squad, with each one of that trio currently dealing with some sort of dilemma at their club. Arsenal’s Declan Rice, though, will be one of the first names Tuchel selects.
Thomas Tuchel wanted Declan Rice at Chelsea
Tuchel is a fan of Rice and it was even reported that the 51-year-old wanted Chelsea to sign him during his time in west London.
According to a report from The Telegraph in 2021, Tuchel revived the Blues’ interest in Rice after his predecessor, Frank Lampard, had initially requested for him to be brought back to Cobham.
Tuchel could not get his hands on Rice in the end, but he will finally get a chance to manage the 25-year-old as England boss.
The former Chelsea manager has even expressed publicly how highly he rates Rice.
“Declan is an important member of the England team, so it speaks for itself,” Tuchel was once quoted as saying by the Evening Standard. “Very strong in build-up, very intelligent in passing.”
The Chelsea players Thomas Tuchel could call up for England alongside Declan Rice
James and Chilwell were Tuchel’s first-choice right-back and left-back at Chelsea. But if they want to work with their old boss again, then they need to get back into the Chelsea team.
It is possible for the former, with James having returned from injury, but the latter is going to struggle after almost being kicked out of the club by Enzo Maresca.
Right now, then, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Noni Madueke and potentially Jadon Sancho are the only Chelsea players you can see Tuchel calling up.
But that is still a good number, while a lot can happen between now and when Tuchel officially takes charge of the Three Lions.
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