Tuchel to Guide Dropped England Players Ahead of World Cup

England manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he plans to contact players who have been left out of the squad in recent international matches to help them prepare for a return to contention ahead of next year’s World Cup. The German coach aims to guide these players on what they need to improve and how they can earn a spot in the squad for the major tournament.

Several key players were missing from England’s recent qualifiers. Trent Alexander-Arnold of Real Madrid and Everton’s Jack Grealish were dropped for this month’s matches against Serbia and Albania. Jude Bellingham was also not included in October’s fixtures against Wales and Latvia. Despite their absences, England won both matches 2-0, finishing at the top of Group K in the World Cup qualifiers. Remarkably, the team recorded eight wins from eight games without conceding a single goal, showing strong defensive and attacking form.

“First of all, it’s my job now to make contact with everyone, players like Trent,” Tuchel said after the victory over Albania. He explained that he wants to reach out to the players, explain why they were not included, and guide them on what they can do to improve. Tuchel emphasized the importance of clarity and support, ensuring players understand whether their absence was due to tactical choices or areas they need to work on individually.

Tuchel’s approach will involve both direct communication and visits to club training grounds. He prefers face-to-face discussions, which he believes provide better insight into a player’s attitude, commitment, and potential. “We can do group visits. We can do Jude and Trent. And visit the clubs. And some of them we will call,” the 52-year-old coach said. This hands-on approach reflects Tuchel’s commitment to maintaining strong relationships with all players in the England pool, which includes around 55 to 60 players.

England will hold another training camp during the international break in March. This camp will allow Tuchel to assess players in person and finalize the squad for the World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The manager’s proactive engagement with dropped players aims to ensure that the team is as strong as possible, with options available for every position when the tournament begins.

Tuchel’s strategy highlights a modern approach to squad management, where communication, player development, and motivation play a key role. By providing clear feedback and support to those outside the squad, England hopes to maintain high performance standards and morale among its top talents, keeping all players ready to contribute when called upon.

With England already securing top spot in their qualification group, Tuchel’s focus now shifts to preparing the team for the global stage, making sure that every player is fully aware of what is expected to earn a place in the World Cup squad. His methodical approach may also help reduce uncertainty and frustration among players who missed recent games, ensuring they stay motivated and engaged in the lead-up to the tournament.