Thomas Tuchel could axe key England player in first bold decision since becoming manager

Thomas Tuchel could axe a key England player in his first big decision following his appointment.

On Wednesday, Tuchel was announced to the media as he held a press conference at Wembley Stadium, where he was asked whether he'd sign 'God Save The King'.

The German boss officially starts his role with the Three Lions on January 1, with Lee Carsley set to take charge of the national team's remaining Nations League fixtures.

And ahead of naming his first squad, Tuchel could drop Jordan Pickford, who faces a fight to hold onto his place as England's No.1 for the 2026 World Cup.

That's according to The Telegraph, who claim Pickford will be under 'immediate pressure' to prove to Tuchel that he should remain the first-choice goalkeeper.

The 30-year-old has been England's first-choice keeper since the 2018 World Cup, which was former manager Gareth Southgate's first tournament in charge.

Southgate stuck by Pickford, who also represented England at the 2022 World Cup and this summer's Euro 2024, not to mention Euro 2020.

The Everton star has won 71 caps, which puts him two behind Gordon Banks.

He's four caps short of David Seaman and Joe Hart, who are the joint second-most capped England goalkeepers behind Peter Shilton, who won 125 caps during his international career.

Jordan Pickford in action for England. Image: Getty

Interim manager Lee Carsley opted for Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson in goal against Finland following Pickford's below-par-performance against Greece, who produced a shock result at Wembley Stadium, winning 2-1.

Per the report, Pickford cannot be certain of his long-term place under Tuchel, who will 'assess the squad with fresh eyes' and 'not allow past performances to dictate his selections'.

Newcastle United's Nick Pope, who has won 10 caps, was the other goalkeeper in Carsley latest England squad.