Gareth Southgate’s tenure, which began in 2016 and concluded after Euro 2024, has come to an end, paving the way for Thomas Tuchel to take the reins. Over the past few weeks, Tuchel has been a familiar face in Premier League stadiums, meticulously scouting players who could form the backbone of his new-look England squad. His first squad announcement is imminent, with two upcoming fixtures against Albania and Latvia (March 21 and 24). Several uncapped players could find themselves on the list.
Archie Gray: A Smooth Transition at Spurs
At just 18, Archie Gray is naturally a midfielder but has showcased his versatility by also operating as a right-back, occasionally on the left, and even as a central defender. Coming from a footballing dynasty, he is the son of Andy Gray, grandson of Frank Gray, and great-nephew of Leeds United and Scotland legend Eddie Gray. Born in Durham, south of Newcastle, but developed at Leeds United, Gray has represented England at every youth level from U15 to U21, earning his first U21 cap on March 22, 2024, just ten days after turning 18.
His £40 million move to Tottenham Hotspur came with significant expectations. Initially struggling for game time at the start of the 2024-25 season, injuries within the squad opened the door for Gray to break into Ange Postecoglou’s starting XI. He has since racked up 18 Premier League appearances, playing 969 minutes, and featured in eight Europa League matches, clocking 720 minutes. His adaptability and composed performances have caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel, who has attended multiple Spurs matches and could hand Gray his first senior call-up in March 2025.
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens: Dortmund’s Latest Gem
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is a rapid and technically gifted left-winger, renowned for his dribbling ability and direct approach. Having started his development at Reading before joining Manchester City’s academy in 2018, he made the bold decision to move to Borussia Dortmund in 2020 at just 16, following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho.
Injuries, including a serious ankle ligament issue and recurring shoulder problems, have hampered his progress, but Gittens has shown resilience. Now 20, he has featured 22 times in the Bundesliga this season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. His performances have put him on the radar of Europe’s top clubs, with Bayern Munich and several Premier League giants monitoring him closely ahead of the 2025 summer transfer window.
With limited competition on England’s left flank, where only Anthony Gordon has firmly established himself, Bynoe-Gittens could see this as the perfect opportunity to stake his claim for a senior call-up, eventhough his last month was not as good as the previous ones.
Jobe Bellingham: In Jude’s Shadow, for Now
Born on September 23, 2005, in Stourbridge, Jobe Bellingham is the younger brother of England superstar Jude Bellingham. Like his sibling, Jobe came through Birmingham City’s academy, making his professional debut at 16. However, unlike Jude, he stayed in England, moving to Sunderland in 2023, where he has since become a key player under Régis Le Bris in the Championship.
Now 19, Bellingham is a central or attacking midfielder known for his vision, technical ability, and knack for scoring goals. He has played 30 matches for Sunderland this season, missing just four games and completing the full 90 minutes in 29 out of 30 appearances. With four goals and three assists to his name, he earned a call-up to England’s U21 squad.
Recent reports suggest that both Bellingham and fellow Championship star James Trafford are being closely watched by Tuchel. If he continues his impressive form, Bellingham could become the first second-tier player to be called up to the England senior squad since Kalvin Phillips in 2021.
Elliot Anderson: Nottingham Forest’s Box-to-Box Midfielder
At 22, Elliot Anderson is slightly older than the other contenders, but he embodies the traditional English midfielder of the 20th century, dynamic, hard-working, and equally comfortable in defensive or attacking roles. A tireless presence in midfield, he never shies away from defensive duties.
Born in Newcastle, Anderson began his career at his boyhood club before making a £41 million move to Nottingham Forest in 2024. However, his international future was far from straightforward. Thanks to his Glasgow-born paternal grandmother, he was eligible for Scotland and represented them at U16, U17, and U21 levels. In 2023, Scotland boss Steve Clarke called him up to the senior squad for two matches, including one against England. However, injury forced Anderson to withdraw, a fortunate turn of events for the Three Lions, who saw an opportunity to secure his allegiance.
In August 2024, Anderson officially switched his international allegiance to England, earning his first U21 cap before making a second appearance in October. While his international future is still technically undecided until he plays a competitive senior match, a March call-up from Tuchel could settle the debate once and for all.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: Hale End’s Swiss Army Knife
Myles Lewis-Skelly is a pure product of Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy, which has produced some of England’s finest talents. At just 19, he is already regarded as one of the most promising players of his generation and has quickly become a key figure at Arsenal.
A versatile midfielder, Lewis-Skelly can play as a deep-lying defensive midfielder or in a more advanced role thanks to his tactical intelligence and adaptability. His technical and physical attributes set him apart, he boasts excellent vision, tight ball control, and an ability to recover possession while distributing effectively.
Primarily developed as a central midfielder, he has also featured at left-back and in more attacking roles, making him an invaluable asset for both club and country. His talent was swiftly recognised by Mikel Arteta, who has integrated him into Arsenal’s first team throughout the 2024-25 season. He has made 12 Premier League appearances, contributing valuable solidity to Arsenal’s midfield in crucial matches. Though he has only scored once in all competitions, it was a crucial goal against Manchester City. He has accumulated nearly 650 minutes in the Premier League and made multiple Champions League appearances.
Lewis-Skelly is still far from reaching his full potential, but his rapid rise at Arsenal and standout performances for England’s U19s suggest he could soon become a vital part of the senior midfield. If his club form continues on an upward trajectory, he could receive his first senior cap this year, particularly in lower-profile fixtures where he could gain valuable international experience before stepping up to bigger challenges.
Tuchel is reportedly monitoring him closely, but his youth and lack of experience, highlighted by a straight red card in his last Premier League appearance, could work against him for now.
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