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Thomas Tuchel makes first England cuts! New Three Lions boss leaves three players out of matchday squad as Albania showdown looms

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Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Tuchel's first game comes on Friday
  • England host Albania at Wembley
  • Three players left out of squad
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Three Lions will play their first match under Tuchel's guidance this evening, and there has been much discussion over who the German should select for his debut in the Wembley dugout. With the likes of Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, John Stones and Harry Maguire injured, now is the time for some players who have been on the international fringes to show their worth.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Tuchel announced who he had called up to his first camp last week, with some controversial picks included. The decision to bring back veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has not been a regular starter at club level with Ajax, was particularly questioned, while only selecting Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White as an injury replacement for Palmer also raised eyebrows.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Though Gibbs-White has been training with the England camp this week, it is being widely reported that he is one of three players who has not made the cut to face Albania. Tuchel has called up 26 players, but UEFA rules state only 23 can be named on matchday. Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah are the two others who will miss out. This means that newcomers Dan Burn and Myles Lewis-Skelly could make their senior England debuts.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

    After opening their World Cup qualifying campaign against Albania on Friday, England will return to Wembley on Monday to face Latvia. The Three Lions will play a total of eight qualifiers over the next nine months as they look to book their place at next summer's finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico.