Predicting Thomas Tuchel's first England lineup

As England get set to welcome Albania to Wembley for a World Cup Qualifier, Ladbrokes predicts the lineup ahead of Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge.

The England manager had a few surprises up his sleeve when he announced his first squad in the week, with a recall for Jordan Henderson raising eyebrows - but does the veteran come straight into the starting lineup?

Whoever starts, fans will be expecting a win to kick off this qualification campaign, with England favourites to top their group.

One of the easier decisions for Thomas Tuchel comes in goal, where Everton's Jordan Pickford is likely to start. With 73 caps, Pickford has cemented his place as England's number one, with his ability on the ball a huge asset for the new manager.

One big question revolves around the formation, with Tuchel favouring a back three during his time at Chelsea. However, stats show that the German has opted for a 4-2-3-1 in the majority of his games as a manager, so a back four is likely.

With that in mind, Reece James looks good for a start under a manager who knows him so well, having regained fitness and form since the new year. Other options include 34-year-old Kyle Walker, but James's relationship with Tuchel will be key.

Since making his international debut in 2022, Marc Guehi has been a consistent figure at the heart of England's back line. Excellent on the ball, commanding defensively and now boasting real international experience with 22 caps, this one seems another simple selection.

The fight to be Guehi's defensive partner is heating up, with numerous strong options including Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa and Newcastle's Carabao Cup hero Dan Burn, but it's Levi Colwill who Ladbrokes expects to get the nod.

Left-footed, athletic and quickly becoming one of Chelsea's most important players, the 22-year-old will be hoping to impress the incoming manager and nail down an England starting spot for years to come.

Completing the back four, Tino Livramento looks ready to build on his excellent Carabao up final performance and fill in at left back against Albania.

With pace, poise and real quality at both ends of the pitch, the young full back has all the attributes to become an England mainstay, and will be hoping to help guide his side to a clean sheet when they host Albania.

Into the midfield, and Arsenal's Declan Rice seems another shoo-in to be named in Thomas Tuchel's first 11. He brings all the attributes that the German will be looking for, with energy, power, technical quality and a wealth of experience - with 62 caps already to his name. But who sits alongside him?

Ladbrokes expects Curtis Jones to partner Rice in midfield, with the combative 24-year-old proving an important player for Premier League favourites Liverpool this season.

However, following Jordan Henderson's surprising inclusion in the squad, Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for the Ajax man, so he could well be Curtis Jones's closest competitor.

Discussing Henderson, 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... Jordan is a big piece in that puzzle for us."

With Bukayo Saka injured, England's right-hand side is crying out for somebody to fill the Arsenal winger's boots, and despite West Ham's Jarrod Bowen staking a strong claim, Ladbrokes expects Phil Foden to start at Wembley.

Last season's Premier League Player of the Year has struggled to find his form this season, but his inclusion in the squad suggests that Tuchel trusts his quality and believes he can get the best out of the Manchester City star.

The only player in this predicted starting eleven currently playing outside of the Premier League, Jude Bellingham is another shoo-in to start at Wembley.

His exact position may be up for debate, but Tuchel will probably look to start the ever-impressive Real Madrid man in a central role, making use of his endless energy and his effectiveness in both boxes.

The re-emergence of Marcus Rashford on the international scene will keep all England attackers on their toes, but Anthony Gordon is likely to keep his place and start a third successive game for his country.

The electric winger scored his maiden England goal last time out against Ireland, and with a domestic suspension meaning he enters the game with fresh legs, Thomsa Tuchel will be ready to release Gordon down the left-hand side.

Rounding off the team is the easiest selection of all - England's captain and record goalscorer, Harry Kane. Having worked under Tuchel for a season at Bayern Munich, bagging 44 goals, the striker is tipped to open the scoring against Albania.

Kane's inclusion in the side also means that six of the predicted 11 have kept their place since the European Championship final defeat to Spain, while England's goalscorer that day Cole Palmer looks set to miss out through injury.

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All odds and markets are correct as of the date of publication.