THOMAS TUCHEL has got some big decisions to make between now and the end of the season as to who will make the cut for his World Cup squad.
One of the biggest clues yet has been given away in a photoshoot that took place this week.
It has been reported that a select group of players were quietly ushered into a London studio as Nike prepare to unveil England’s World Cup strip in March.
The names involved appear to say plenty about Tuchel’s train of thought.
Skipper Harry Kane will no doubt be the first name on the team sheet.
The Bayern Munich striker has scored 23 goals in 17 matches for his club this season, and was a favourite of Tuchel when they worked together in Bavaria during the 2023/24 season.
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Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was also a part of it. The Everton stopper has established himself as England’s No1 over the past eight years.
Jude Bellingham has established himself as a key man at Real Madrid since signing for Los Blancos two years ago, and he will no doubt be in the team for England as well next summer – even though he was on the bench last night.
That’s despite his relationship with Tuchel at times being called into question.
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In June, he was branded “repulsive” for some of his fiery on-field actions that were on show in February when he picked up a straight red card in Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw at Osasuna for insulting the referee.
Tuchel also dropped Bellingham for the October internationals against Wales and Latvia.
Chris Eubank Jr vs Conor Benn 2 – all the info
TIME for round two of this generation’s family feud!
Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn go punch-for-punch once again as both rivals look to make their fathers proud.
The blockbuster rematch takes place at the 62,000-seater Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, November 15.
Eubank Jr narrowly outpointed his bitter foe after 12 brutal rounds in April to secure the bragging rights in what was certainly a Fight of the Year contender.
And the two British superstars will dance once more as Eubank Jr aims to do the double while Benn seeks revenge after suffering a first career loss.
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The German boss has taken a stick-and-carrot approach with Bellingham, challenging him before immediately lifting him back up.
Shortly after using the term “repulsive,” Tuchel went on to call him a “special boy.”
And when he was “dropped,” Tuchel explained it was because of his lack of minutes for Real Madrid since returning from a shoulder injury – wrapping him in cotton wool and allowing him to rest.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson was also drafted in. With Bellingham almost certain to play as a number 10 and Rice playing in a more advanced role, Anderson could well be selected to play in front of the back line.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder only made his debut in September against Andorra, but Tuchel is a big fan of his and keeps selecting him.
The fifth man was Marcus Rashford, who is close to being back to his best for Barcelona.
Hansi Flick has helped him regain his confidence, which has led to him being directly involved in 15 goals in 16 appearances so far.
Rashford faces competition from Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze for a starting spot on the left, but going off current form he may well be favourite to start.
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Images of the new Nike kit leaked online last week, showing the motto “Happy and Glorious” inside the collar and a gold star above the crest to mark 1966.
Nike will use its latest Aero Fit tech to help players cope with scorching temperatures across the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.
England ratings vs Serbia
ENGLAND maintained their 100 per cent qualifying record with the 2-0 win against Serbia at Wembley.
Jude Bellingham returned to the squad but had to make do with an impressive cameo from the bench.
But with just a few games left until the World Cup, who edged closer to a place in Thomas Tuchel’s final squad – and who still has work to do?
Find out here how SunSport’s Dan King rated every England player right here.
