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THOMAS TUCHEL has made some big calls in his first England squad. Earlier today, the German tactician’s first squad to face Albania and Latvia was announced, featuring some surprise omissions and major recalls.Thomas Tuchel has named his first England squadCredit: GettyJordan Henderson was a surprise recall to the England teamCredit: GettyDan Burn was selected by England for the first time alongside Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: PAThe likes of Reece James, Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson were brought back into the fold by Tuchel.Meanwhile, stars like Ollie Watkins, Morgan Gibbs-White, Eliott Anderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish missed the cut.There were debut call ups for Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly.While there are of course the usual suspects like captain Harry Kane, midfielder Jude Bellingham and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut now Tuchel has selected his cards, how will he play them?Tuchel was known at Chelsea for playing a back three, but when he moved to Bayern Munich he preferred a back four shape.This England squad has stars who are very capable in both shapes.However, we expect the 51-year-old to deploy his England team in a back four shape to start with.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsTuchel said the call ups for Burn and Henderson were down to them bringing leadership qualities and character to the squad. For that reason both could be named in his first starting XI to face Albania on March 21 in England’s first World Cup qualifier.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches Tuchel is likely to keep his spine a tried and trusted formula, with Jordan Pickford in goal, Harry Kane up front and Declan Rice in midfield.Guehi, who has arguably established himself as the Three Lions best centre-back in the last 12 months, may partner debutant Burn in central defence, with veteran Kyle Walker selected at right-back and Lewis-Skelly filling in at left-back.Rice could provide the legs for Henderson in midfield which would also allow the Arsenal midfielder the license to bomb forward and join the attack.Ahead of them, Jarrod Bowen’s pace and directness off the left will partner well with Cole Palmer’s creativity on the right wing and Bellingham’s dynamism behind Kane.Alternatively, Tuchel could go to his famous 3-4-3 shape and go with a very experimental XI to help him get to know his squad.A change between in the sticks with Dean Henderson in for Pickford could come about, while Guehi’s anchor a back three alongside Chelsea pair Levi Colwill and James, who are both familiar with a back three system.An aggressive set of wing-backs may see Newcastle duo Tino Livramento and Anthony Gordon selected on either wing, while Rice and Bellingham pair in midfield able to shuffle back and forth.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen Aston Villa duo Rashford and Morgan Rogers could start behind Dominic Solanke, which may give Tuchel a real idea about the true depth of his attacking options. More

THOMAS TUCHEL has revealed that Ben White wants to play for England again.The Arsenal star snubbed a spot in the Three Lions squad under Gareth Southgate after an alleged bust-up with former assistant Steve Holland.Ben White wants to return to the England foldCredit: AlamyThomas Tuchel confirmed that the Arsenal man was not selected for fitness reasons and did not refuse a call-upCredit: PAWhite last made an appearance for his country in March 2022 before leaving England’s World Cup camp mid-tournament for “personal reasons” eight months later.Three years on, the four-time capped defender is ready to end his self-imposed exile.New boss Tuchel revealed in his press conference after naming his first England squad that White is in his thinking but was not chosen due to fitness concerns.Asked if he refused another call-up, Tuchel replied: “Absolutely not.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He loves to be back in the squad but it is too early now for him given the seriousness of the injury. “I am delighted that he is back in back-to-back trainings. We are monitoring the process. “Huge compliments to the medical and performance department of the FA and thanks to everyone at Arsenal to let us monitor him closely.”We are speaking to Ben, we are delighted he is back on the bench and he has had a Champions League match now.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”Now it is a question of getting more minutes and he has every chance and he wants to be back.”White made his first start for Arsenal in the 2-2 draw with PSV on Wednesday after three months out due to knee surgery.Thomas Tuchel’s first day at St. George’s Park as he meets England staff and coaches Tuchel named his England squad for the first two games of his reign against Albania on March 21 and Latvia on March 24 earlier today.The ex-Chelsea boss has opted to recall Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson.Three uncapped stars have been selected in Myles Lewis-Skelly, Dan Burn and Jarell Quansah. The human tuchENGLAND’S new boss Thomas Tuchel has announced his first squad – to mixed reaction. More

A MANCHESTER UNITED star left a cheeky message on Bruno Fernandes’ match ball after he scored a Europa League hat-trick on Thursday night.Fernandes dragged United to victory against Real Sociedad at Old Trafford, scoring two penalties on his way to a match-winning trio of goals.Fernandes shows off his match ball with the cheeky message alongside GarnachoCredit: INSTAGRAMIt was a vintage performance from the United captainCredit: GettyDorgu collides with Aritz to win United’s second spot kick of the nightCredit: PAHe scored his third from open play in the 87th minute before Rasmus Hojlund teed up Diogo Dalot to put the final nail in the coffin.As Fernandes posed with the match ball signed by the United squad at full-time, eagle-eyed fans spotted the message “How much did you pay the ref?”The jab comes as United were awarded three controversial penalties on the night.The first came as Hojlund was tackled after getting his shot away, leading some fans to argue that the foul was irrelevant.Read more footballThe second was more an accidental coming together than a foul, as Patrick Dorgu clattered into a stationary Aritz Elustondo.The third penalty of the night came in the second half when Dorgu was taken out again, this time by Hamari Traore, but it was overruled after the United player admitted his marker won the ball.It is not known which United player wrote the message on the ball.Fans were also quick to criticise the referee for his trigger-happy card policy, dishing out nine yellow cards and sending off Sociedad substitute Jon Aramburu just seven minutes after he was introduced.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSFernandes’ brace of penalties were the 58th and 59th of his career. Ruben Amorim hits back at Roy Keane after Man Utd legend’s explosive Bruno Fernandes rant He has missed just six, making his career conversion rate a healthy 91 per cent.They take his penalty tally for the season to five, also scoring from the spot in a loss to Brighton, win at rivals Manchester City and draw to Chelsea.United’s captain has gone from strength to strength since signing in 2020, scoring 94 goals in 276 appearances.The Red Devils will now face Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals after the French side eased past FCSB in the round of 16.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More