Thomas Tuchel is experienced enough to know his World Cup squad would create the ultimate pub debate.
England’s ins-and-outs for the 26 man squad for this summer’s tournament caused joy and heartbreak in equal measure. The vast majority reported up on Monday to either fly out or join the training camp in Florida with the ramifications still being felt of Tuchel’s shock selections.
Harry Maguire made his feelings clear after being cut from the squad list. “Disappointed and shocked” was how the Manchester United defender described it. Adam Wharton made his point on the pitch with a man-of-the-match display for Crystal Palace as they beat Rayo Vallecano to win the Europa Conference League. No-one saw Djed Spence coming.
At least there was no Gazza style bust-up. Paul Gascoigne famously smashed up Glenn Hoddle’s hotel room in La Manga after being axed from the squad ahead of France 98. But Tuchel is not exactly going to win many popularity contests especially after picking the likes of Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson and, to a lesser extent, John Stones.
