Tuchel lists England’s ‘top 50’

Thomas Tuchel has compiled his England “top 50” during a busy first seven weeks as head coach.

Since starting his role on Jan 1, Tuchel has been working to build an overview of those he believes are among the best England players, a list which is estimated to run to around 50, ahead of naming his first squad in March.

That has involved attending more than 20 games in England, Spain, Italy and Germany, talking to players in person and on video calls, spending time at St George’s Park during six of the past seven weeks and using former manager Gareth Southgate’s secret weapon – software that enables him to watch any game in the world.

Tuchel is preparing for his first games in charge – the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley next month.

When Tuchel has not been able to watch a game in person, he has been able to use the Football Association’s Helix software that was a key tool for Southgate. Games, even those not covered by television companies, are viewed on a widescreen that shows the whole of the pitch. It is like being in the stadium. Viewers get a tactical view, not a standard TV one.

Arsenal teenager Myles Lewisskelly is thought to be among the top 50, as Tuchel seeks a solution to the shortage of left-backs.