Thomas Tuchel has come in for criticism after announcing his first England squad (Image: Getty)
Many England fans have been left perplexed by treatment of Morgan Gibbs-White after forgotten man was named in the German’s first squad. Ajax midfielder Henderson is one of several surprise names in the squad for the World Cup qualifying double-header against Albania and Latvia.
has also earned a recall following a bright start to his loan spell, while there are four goalkeepers selected – Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and James Trafford. The ahead of the likes of Gibbs-White, Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton has been particularly controversial. Gibbs-White, 25, who has two caps after making his debut under interim boss Lee Carsley earlier this season, has been outstanding for Champions League-chasing this season.
“Conor Gallagher and Gibbs-White missing out is very harsh. Even [Ethan] Nwaneri deserved a call-up,” said one fan on X. Another pointed out: “Morgan Gibbs-White has 4 goals and 6 assists in his last 14 Premier League games. If that doesn’t get you in the England squad ahead of Jordan Henderson then what will?”
A third posted: “I am staggered that Morgan Gibbs-White is not in this England squad. Few players in the Premier League [are] playing better than him.” A fourth asked: “Are my eyes actually seeing Jordan Henderson in the England squad and no Morgan Gibbs-White?”
Another fumed: “No Morgan Gibbs-White is an utter disgrace. In fact he doesn’t even just deserve to be in the squad. He should be starting for England. I’m utterly perplexed.” And a sixth agreed: “No Morgan Gibbs-White in the England squad is disgraceful. He’s honestly been a joy to watch this season.”
Gibbs-White has surprisingly been overlooked by Tuchel (Image: Getty)
Explaining his decision to pick Henderson, who hasn’t played for his country since November 2023, Tuchel said: “I think his career and the way he plays now and imposes himself at Ajax is just so impressive. He builds on character, personality and energy that he brings to the team.”
Meanwhile, the seemingly bizarre decision to pick four keepers isn’t completely leftfield for a German coach. Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann originally named four stoppers in his provisional squad for Euro 2024 and intended to take the quartet to their home tournament.
“We will go to the European Championship with four goalkeepers. Why? I see it as important in training to control the workload,” explained Nagelsmann last May. However, on the eve of the tournament, the former Bayern Munich head coach had a change of heart, axing Stuttgart’s Alexander Nuebel from the 26-man squad.