🔗 Share this article

In the case of Marc Guéhi, a momentary flicker of self-doubt was natural. The Selhurst Park defender had excelled for England at Euro 2024, cementing himself as a first-choice selection under Gareth Southgate, and his standing remained secure following the caretaker coach’s tenure in the first half of last season.

Then came Thomas Tuchel, and it is worth remembering that this was the coach who had approved Guéhi’s sale from Stamford Bridge to Crystal Palace in the offseason of 2021. Guéhi definitely recalled that. Did Tuchel fancy him? When the fresh leadership brought Dan Burn into the starting XI for his first game in charge, versus Albania at Wembley in March, with Guéhi as an unused substitute, it did not look promising.

Tuchel selected Guéhi in the following game, against Latvia, also at Wembley, before he was unable to pick him for his next gathering in June, which took in the matches against Andorra away and Senegal in Nottingham. Guéhi had suffered an eye injury during his club’s memorable FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

“In my opinion it’s normal for any footballer to practically doubt that,” Guéhi says, reflecting on his absence from Albania. “You know, fresh coach arriving … it’s unclear what the team’s going to be, it’s unknown who is going to feature?”

What Guéhi did next was what he typically does – remain completely in the moment, as balanced as he could be. Which would serve him well during a hectic end to the summer transfer window when the club chairman, Steve Parish, blocked his planned transfer to Liverpool.

The next day, Guéhi joined up with England for the matches versus Andorra at Villa Park and Serbia in Belgrade and he worked like a demon. Not a soul would have been aware about any internal turmoil. It is difficult not to see that camp and those games as a pivotal moment for Guéhi, the time when he earned Tuchel over. The young defender started in both and was especially impressive in the 5-0 win against Serbia, even contributing his first international goal.

The trust cuts both ways. Tuchel has this knack of bringing players in, of supporting them; it was one of the main reasons why the Football Association appointed him. “In my view what the gaffer has done is demonstrate a lot of belief in each of us,” Guéhi says. “Whenever we receive the chance, we want to show what we can achieve.”

Faith as the Central Idea

Trust is the focus – and not just because Guéhi is the child of a pastor and devoutly Christian. England meet Wales in a exhibition at Wembley on Thursday night before going to Riga to face Latvia in their next World Cup qualifier next Tuesday and Tuchel has shaped it all with his squad selection.

It was, quite, the most remarkable demonstration of confidence in the players from the last get‑together, those who had gone to Serbia and ignited Tuchel’s reign. Every one of the 24 who are fit have been kept – so excluding Tino Livramento or Noni Madueke, who have serious injuries. Or Reece James, who was forced to pull out on Monday because of a more minor one.

Tuchel’s Choices and Team Dynamics

Tuchel’s decision to omit the returned Jude Bellingham has led the conversation – to the extent that the omission of Phil Foden, who is also back to fitness, has been rendered as a bit of a footnote.

What must not be overlooked – and what Tuchel hopes won’t be missed – is how he has stood by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was a last-minute addition in September to replace the injured Adam Wharton, despite Loftus-Cheek having lost his spot in Milan’s Serie A side. Or how he retained Jarell Quansah, who came in for the injured John Stones in September, despite the former now being OK and in the squad. However, Quansah himself was forced to withdraw on Wednesday because of a knee injury.

Here is how a coach builds a performance-based culture, how he forges bonds. Tuchel loved the team behind the team in Serbia, the unsung heroes on the sidelines, and he aimed to recognize them. Bellingham or Loftus‑Cheek? Is it even a question? Tuchel has effectively turned it into one for this camp – and he sees an positive in the signal he has sent. Reputations will not influence him. Being a supportive colleague will.

Building a Strong Unit

It was with good timing that Steven Gerrard spoke candidly in an interview with his ex England colleague Rio Ferdinand on Tuesday, revealing how self-centered and clique-ridden their so-called talented era squad was. The ability was not in doubt; it was the environment that held them back and Tuchel is determined to fix this. He was talking about a “brotherhood” within the squad before his first game.

“There’s any animosity between anybody,” Guéhi explains. “We are, as we put it when we’re here, Team England. Whatever has happened in the past or what is going on in the season, you leave that aside. You come here, these become your closest allies, your colleagues, the players that you battle with for as long as you’re here.

“The atmosphere is consistently positive when we’re here. The football association, past coaches and the players themselves, the backroom team, have done a excellent role at fostering an atmosphere. Additionally, it comes down to the players to actually embrace that. In my opinion every single person has accepted that superbly because I love so much being here and I know the others of the lads do, too.”

Looking Ahead

What Tuchel wants against Wales is a performance that stirs the Wembley crowd. Those versus Albania and Latvia were steady sufficient; the wins welcome, the first steps on the road to the World Cup next year. But they were not thrillers. Will the side continue the cut and thrust they showed in Serbia? The last thoughts go to Guéhi.

“In my case, anxiety is a natural feeling,” he states about being benched against Albania. “But I was picked in that squad. It signifies that the manager has opted for me for this chance and if I’m playing or not I’ll still support the team.

“So for me, worrying can be a waste of time. You only get so many moments on this earth. I’d rather be excited and focused and assist the teammates that I can – or improve personally – by being the finest that I can be rather than worrying.”