England’s next new player: The fresh faces hoping Thomas Tuchel will pick them next
With his latest squad choices, Thomas Tuchel is showing he’s happy to bring in young, less-experienced players to the England team—great news for those hoping for their first call-up. Take Rio Ngumoha, for example. He was invited to train with the senior team before this summer’s World Cup and impressed so much that he made his England debut against New Zealand. The 18-year-old, who has played five times for Liverpool this season, has kept his spot in Tuchel’s squad after the World Cup, alongside Alex Scott, another player from that training group.
So, who might be next up? We looked at some uncapped players who missed out on the upcoming Nations League games against Spain, Czechia, and Croatia but are pushing for a place in the squad. Along with Scott, Ngumoha, and Ethan Nwaneri, Josh King has also caught attention. He trained with the England squad before the World Cup and is having a fantastic start to the season with Fulham. While he missed out on the latest squad, Tuchel said he’s “very close” to a call-up.
Another name to watch is Bogle, who has been shining at Leeds United. The 26-year-old full-back started all five league games this season and was recently named Leeds’ Player of the Match after a big win over Newcastle. Many, including Leeds’ coach Daniel Farke, think he deserves an England debut—he already has four England under-20 caps.
Jack Hinshelwood is also pushing for a place. At 21, he’s versatile, playing both midfield and full-back, and scored twice against Aston Villa early in the season. He was even in Tuchel’s 55-man provisional World Cup squad, so he’s definitely on the radar.
Everton’s Dewsbury-Hall has been consistent since joining from Chelsea. He made Tuchel’s provisional World Cup list and told The Guardian he feels closer than ever to an England call-up. Last season he scored eight goals and made four assists in 31 league games, and this season he’s started every match and impressed in midfield.
Lewis Miley of Newcastle is another promising player. At 20, he’s a natural central midfielder who can also fill in at right-back—a position England has struggled to fill regularly. Former Newcastle player Bruno Guimaraes praised Miley and believes he’s ready for England, saying Miley’s performances have been great week after week.
Jobe Bellingham, younger brother of Jude, is also catching attention. Tuchel’s staff are reportedly impressed with the Borussia Dortmund midfielder, whose versatility and progress this season make a first England call-up seem likely soon.
Tavernier at Bournemouth has been in great form too, scoring against top teams like Manchester City and Newcastle. His recent performances have caught the eye of England’s coaching team, and if he keeps it up, a call-up won’t be far off.
The youngest player on the list, Arsenal’s Dowman, is just 16 but already making history as the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history and the youngest Champions League player. Tuchel has kept the door open for him, and he may soon get the chance to train with the senior team. Two goals against Ipswich recently have added to his case.
Finally, although a bit of a surprise, Lankshear has started his Middlesbrough career brilliantly, scoring six goals in eight Championship games after moving from Tottenham. His form earned him a first call-up to the England under-21 squad, and talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham even suggested he could be a key striker for England at Euro 2028, comparing him to Harry Kane.
All in all, there’s a lot of exciting young talent knocking on the door of the England team, and Tuchel seems ready to give them a chance. It’ll be fun to watch who gets called up next!