With the World Cup just around the corner, Thomas Tuchel has now named his England squad.
There are undoubtedly some surprise inclusions, but why has the German opted to pick them?
England’s surprise inclusions:
Dan Burn and Djed Spence
Dan Burn and Djed Spence are two of the biggest surprises in the England squad, especially given who they’ve been picked ahead of. Many would have been expecting Harry Maguire and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 26, but Tuchel has opted for Burn and Spence.
The main reason for their inclusion is likely due to versatility. Spence has played on either side of defence this season, while Burn can operate as a centre-back or left-back.
With Maguire and Alexander-Arnold, you’re only really covering the two positions, whereas Burn and Spence can cover three. Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Nico O’Reilly could be the starting back four, so Tuchel is clearly looking for his alternatives to be able to cover multiple areas.
This season in the Premier League, Burn has won 4.09 aerial duels per 90 minutes, ranking him 12th. His set-piece threat, in both boxes, could be another key reason for his selection.
The game has changed in recent years, with set-pieces becoming more prominent. For that reason, there is perhaps some sense behind Burn’s inclusion.
Ivan Toney
Tuchel had a difficult decision to make when it came to his third striker. Ollie Watkins enjoyed a phenomenal end to the season, so he was always going to be a shoo-in to join Harry Kane in the squad.
Then England are left with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Solanke, Danny Welbeck, and not many others.
Toney has undoubtedly had a better season than the strikers mentioned. But there is, of course, one big caveat. The standard of the Saudi Pro League isn’t at the same level as the Premier League, but Toney is hitting phenomenal numbers regardless.
Toney is far and away the most consistent goalscorer out of the English options, outside of Kane. The confidence he will have heading into the World Cup could be crucial.
The former Brentford striker is also a phenomenal penalty taker, and it can’t be understated how crucial that could be. Bringing Toney on with minutes to go in the knockout phases could be the difference between winning and losing.
Jarell Quansah
Jarell Quansah is a classic case of out of sight, out of mind. Many wouldn’t have ever considered him for the squad, mainly due to not seeing him playing regularly in the Premier League like the majority of the squad.
Quansah endured an underwhelming time at Liverpool, struggling to become a regular figure. The 23-year-old has now moved to Bayer Leverkusen, and he’s flourishing over in Germany.
The former Liverpool man also plays in a side that dominates possession. Only Bayern Munich have averaged more possession in the Bundesliga this season, and England are likely to produce similar numbers at the World Cup.
Realistically, Quansah is likely fifth in the centre-back pecking order, so part of the reasoning could be for experience.
Noni Madueke
Based on game time alone, including Noni Madueke in the squad might not make a lot of sense. The 24-year-old has started just 15 Premier League games this season, producing three goal contributions.
This one is perhaps a little harder to explain. Tuchel obviously wants a naturally right-sided attacker to play second fiddle to Bukayo Saka. Looking at England’s options, that leaves you with limited choice.
Jarrod Bowen is the obvious counter-argument. The West Ham United winger has produced stronger numbers than Madueke, but the two of them are at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their teams.
Madueke has been in a winning environment all season. Arsenal have now lifted the Premier League title, and there’s every chance Madueke arrives at the World Cup having won the Champions League too.
Bowen has been through a stressful campaign, especially as their captain, and West Ham are in serious danger of being relegated.
On talent alone, the Madueke move might not add up, but looking at the bigger picture, Tuchel is clearly thinking about mentality.
Jordan Henderson
Returning to the Premier League is the best thing Jordan Henderson could have done for his England chances. It did feel like this would be the tournament he misses out on, but he’s returned to England’s top flight and played regularly in a strong Brentford side.
Based simply on ability, the likes of Adam Wharton and James Garner should probably be in the squad ahead of Henderson. But he’s not in the squad because of that.
Henderson has been there and done it, winning multiple trophies at Liverpool and has been a key figure in the England dressing room.
He’s a player that will help bridge the gap between Gareth Southgate and Tuchel, offering leadership on and off the pitch.
Read more: