Why James Maddison may get a look in for England under Thomas Tuchel
Today at 12:45 PM
The FA have confirmed the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as the new head coach of the English national team with his reign set to start as of January 2025.
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager has agreed to coach the English national team for the next 18 months which will include the 2026 World Cup.
Tuchel boasts an exceptional pedigree in knockout football having won the Champions League with the Blues, reached the final with PSG and won the German and French cups.
One big winner from the appointment of the Tuchel manager could be Tottenham’s James Maddison with the German having previously shown an admiration for the midfielder.
Thomas Tuchel’s admiration for James Maddison
Back in 2021, Tuchel and Chelsea extensively scouted Maddison when he was at Leicester City, according to the Guardian.
The 27-year-old of course did leave the Foxes until he joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, but Tuchel has already shown strong signs of admiration for the Englishman.
Maddison was overlooked for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad and will be desperate that under a new regime, he will finally make his return.
The Tottenham star will feel hard done by having been left out of the latest Three Lions squad with his form for Spurs this season having been very good season.
But now with a new manager in charge in Tuchel, someone who has previously shown a strong willingness to work with him, this could be Maddison’s big chance to get back into the fold.
How could England line-up under Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel being appointed as the England manager means the switch to a three-at-the-back system is likely with the formation having brought him much success at Chelsea.
However, this system will give the former Bayern coach a real headache in trying to fit all the talented players into his side which could see some stars played in unusual roles.
Bukayo Saka could be a player who could be used in a wing-back role having played there for Arsenal in the early stages of his career and at Euro 2024.
How England could line up under Tuchel: Pickford; Trent, Konsa, Guehi, Colwill, Saka; Bellingham Rice; Palmer, Kane, Foden.
