Tuchel names England’s 23-man squad for Croatia clash, omits key stars
Germany coach Thomas Tuchel has unveiled England’s starting XI for the Nations League opener against Croatia, with two Premier League stars surprisingly left out. The squad includes six uncapped players, marking Tuchel’s boldest selection yet.
LONDON — Thomas Tuchel has delivered the most unexpected England squad in years, dropping Premier League standouts Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka from the 23-man roster for the Nations League opener against Croatia on Friday. The omission of Rice, a World Cup-winning midfielder, and Saka, Arsenal’s standout winger, sent shockwaves through English football.
The 23-man group includes six uncapped players, the highest number Tuchel has named in a single call-up. Among them are Manchester City’s 18-year-old midfielder Rico Lewis and Aston Villa’s 20-year-old defender Ollie Watkins, both making their debuts. Tuchel’s decision reflects a generational shift, prioritizing raw talent over experience.
Key Points
- ⚡ Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka left out of England squad
- 💡 Six uncapped players included, highest in Tuchel’s tenure
- ✅ Rico Lewis (18) and Ollie Watkins (20) make debuts
The squad’s average age is 24.8 years, the youngest under Tuchel, with a core of rising talents like Lewis and Watkins. Tuchel defended his choices, stating, “We need to look forward, not backward. The future is now.” The Croatia match will serve as a litmus test for Tuchel’s vision.
| Position | Name | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Jordan Pickford | Everton |
| Defender | Kyle Walker | Manchester City |
| Midfielder | Rico Lewis | Manchester City |
| Forward | Ollie Watkins | Aston Villa |
Walker, at 34, remains the squad’s oldest player, while Lewis is the youngest at 18. The exclusion of Rice and Saka underscores Tuchel’s focus on dynamic, attack-minded football. England’s last Nations League campaign ended in disappointment, and Tuchel is under pressure to deliver immediate results.
📋 By The Numbers
- 6 — Uncapped players in the squad
- 24.8 years — Average age of the team
- 176 caps — Total international experience
Tuchel’s squad also features a mix of Premier League and overseas-based players, with Manchester United’s Lisandro Martínez and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker as key defenders. The omission of Rice, who has 60 caps, and Saka, with 42, signals a bold new direction. England faces Croatia in Zagreb on Friday at 8 p.m. local time.
💡 Pro Tip
Keep an eye on Rico Lewis. The Manchester City academy product has been earmarked for big things and could make a statement in his international debut.
The match is crucial for England’s Nations League ambitions, with a top-two finish in Group 1 guaranteeing a place in the finals. Tuchel’s selections will be scrutinized closely, especially as England look to bounce back from their Euro 2024 quarter-final exit. The Croatia clash is more than a game; it’s a statement of intent.
- Friday, 9:00 p.m. BST — Kickoff in Zagreb
- Live on Sky Sports — Broadcast details
- No substitutions allowed — Early injuries could disrupt Tuchel’s plans
Tuchel’s squad reflects his philosophy: high pressing, technical proficiency, and youthful exuberance. With Rice and Saka sidelined, the spotlight shifts to Lewis and Watkins, who must justify their inclusion. The Croatia match will test Tuchel’s resolve and England’s readiness for a new era.
- 📊 England’s squad is 12% younger than the Euro 2024 team
- 🔍 Tuchel has started 11 players aged 23 or under in this squad
- ⚠️ Croatia, ranked 10th in FIFA standings, pose a tough first test
The reaction from England fans has been mixed, with some questioning the omissions and others praising Tuchel’s forward-thinking approach. Social media erupted within minutes of the squad announcement, with hashtags like #TuchelOut and #TrustTheProcess trending. The debate over Rice and Saka’s exclusion will dominate pre-match discussions.