The seven big surprises in England’s first squad since World Cup

Wasn’t that night in the Azteca only last week? Yet, here we are again, questioning Thomas Tuchel’s sanity. This latest England squad selection carries more weight than it normally would in a September international break, given there are a mammoth four Nations League games to come before another Premier League ball is kicked. And those doubts over Tuchel remain at the forefront of supporters’ minds, after those two late goals shipped against Argentina two months ago. Tuchel has not rested on his laurels, over what he believes to be a reasonable performance across the pond this summer. Trent is back Possibly the most startling recall is for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Tuchel would rather have given a dinner lady a squad number in the summer than add the Real Madrid full-back to his World Cup squad. As defenders dropped like flies before and during the tournament, Tuchel refused to buckle, turning to every other defensive option, other than Alexander-Arnold, to be part of his roster. And now, at the first opportunity, the prodigal son, who has only started two league games for Real this season, is back. Had Ben White or Reece James been fit, then we might not be having this conversation. The fact we are still seems strange. No MGW, again Morgan Gibbs-White was surprisingly snubbed despite his form for Nottingham Forest (Photo: Getty) As our beloved Daniel Storey never misses an opportunity to opine, Morgan Gibbs-White is the top goalscoring midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues. And yet, a player with 68 minutes across three Premier League matches so far this season gets the nod instead. Had Eberechi Eze justified his surprise inclusion in Tuchel’s World Cup squad, we perhaps could allow for such an aberration. But one goal, for club and country, since November last year, tells its own story. What more does Gibbs-White have to do? “It makes no sense to have four or five No 10s,” Tuchel said. “We can see he is a key player for Forest. It is one thing to be picked, but another thing to perform for England.” Palmer gets instant recall After the start to the season he has made, having developed a bourgeoning partnership with another England star, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer’s recall to the squad is not surprising in itself. It just represents such a rapid turnaround from Tuchel, who was alarmingly critical of Palmer after omitting him from his World Cup squad, insisting the Chelsea forward had “never done anything” for his England team. “Cole has his start that he always had but he has his numbers back,” Tuchel said. “He has his assists back, he has decisive goals back so that is why he is in the squad. I think he has a point to prove.” Lewis-Skelly over Wharton as midfielder Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is another whose name is shockingly absent (Photo: Getty) Adam Wharton is an unusual case. In another life, he would be playing for Liverpool, as the heartbeat of their midfield, and be a regular for England. Yet, he remains at Crystal Palace and cannot get a look-in with the national side. The latest to jump ahead of him in the pecking order is Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has had quite the few months. The Arsenal utility player is so adaptable he is very much a football coach’s dream. That will be of little consolation to Wharton, however. Mainoo still there One of only a handful of England players not to get a kick this summer was Kobbie Mainoo. Having worked so hard to turn things around under Michael Carrick last season at Manchester United, to remain on the outside looking in will have been a bitter blow. His inclusion again, however, must be viewed as a huge compliment, given just how many alternatives Tuchel has in that position. The German’s warm words must also be welcome. “I expect him to be on the pitch [this month],” he said. “And it’s my duty to put him on the pitch. “That [not playing at the World Cup] was totally on me. He didn’t put a foot wrong in the World Cup. “He was class in behaviour and on the training pitch.” Scott wins rookie race Alex Scott is another who will surely be the next fledgling talent to leave Bournemouth for a big club. All the summer speculation has not affected the midfield metronome’s form one bit. Josh King was another starlet vying for a place, with Tuchel insisting the Fulham youngster was close. Scott is the one who gets the nod, where he will be able to showcase his talents to a much wider audience. Expect something special. Read more Michael Hincks: Thomas Tuchel is taking us all for fools Daniel Storey: We all owe Gareth Southgate an apology Hall chance to lay down marker Lewis Hall has the opportunity of a lifetime ahead of him. Missing out on a move to Manchester United could be seen as a chance missed, but now, back in the England set up, he can really make his mark again. Full-back is one of the most accessible positions for England nowadays, having been a closed shop for years. Hall has the ability to make a starting spot his own in the coming weeks, and is likely to get the opportunity to do just that.