Thomas Tuchel considering shock England call-up for Premier League star he 'likes a lot'
England manager Thomas Tuchel has given consideration to calling up a surprise Premier League player that received his last cap in 2022, it has been reported.
Tuchel will make his first selection since England's run to the semi-finals of the World Cup, with particular focus on how much the opening weeks of the Premier League season will have influenced his thinking.
A number of England stars who got close to the final World Cup squad are said to be in with a chance of returning to the set-up. But Tuchel does appear to be have paid close attention to the start of the Premier League season and, in particular, high-flying Leeds United.
Surprise Premier League player 'in contention' for England squad
According to TEAMtalk, via sources, the Leeds duo of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Trafford are both expected to be called up after their superb starts to the season.
Calvert-Lewin scored twice in Leeds' 4-1 win over Newcastle on Sunday, though has only played for England once since Tuchel took charge and the German has preferred the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney as back-ups to Harry Kane.
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But it is claimed that his club team-mate James Justin, who received his only senior England cap in 2022, is also well-liked within the England camp.
Justin has been playing at centre-back under Daniel Farke this season, but is also a natural option at right-back, left-back and wing-back.
Tuchel and England are not exactly blessed with right-back options, with Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah played there during the World Cup when Reece James was unavailable. Djed Spence was a key player during the summer but hasn't yet played for new club Inter Milan due to muscle fatigue.
Justin is said to have impressed with his versatility, and that England coaches 'like him a lot'.
The 28-year-old received his maiden England cap in 2022 but was subbed off through injury against Hungary and hasn't featured since.
According to BBC Sport, Chelsea and Manchester City stars Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have both been selected as part of Tuchel's longlist for the upcoming squad.
Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha has also been selected after catching the eye of Tuchel and his staff during England's pre-World Cup training camp. Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who was also part of the extended group prior to the World Cup, is also under consideration, as well as Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is back in contention. He received his only senior England cap in 2024 but has suffered from various injury issues over recent seasons. His club team-mate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is also believed to be in the provisional squad.
Finally, Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall - who was one of the more controversial omissions from Tuchel's final World Cup squad - is also included and will surely be in line to earn his fifth England cap and beyond.
Forgotten player tipped to receive England call-up
There is no mention of Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who captained the Eagles in their Europa League clash against Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park on Thursday. He also registered an assist.
Wharton was one of the World Cup absentees particularly questioned by fans, and he received a surprise source of praise this week via a Twitch stream hosted by Cole Palmer.
"Wharton, what a player man, what a player," Palmer said after packing his gold card on EA FC 27. "He should have every passing playstyle."
The 22-year-old was taken to Euro 2024 by Gareth Southgate but did not play a match. He has received four caps for England since then.
Topics: England, Thomas Tuchel, Leeds United
Ryan Smart