In a noteworthy move for England's national football team, three under-21 players have been called up to join senior squad training as Thomas Tuchel prepares for his inaugural matches in charge. Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, and Ipswich striker Liam Delap participated in the training session held at St. George's Park on March 18, 2025.
As Tuchel gears up for England's World Cup qualifier against Albania on March 21, 2025, these young talents are getting a chance to impress the new manager ahead of their upcoming international fixtures. The match at Wembley Stadium will mark England's first qualifier of the season, followed by another match against Latvia on March 24, 2025. This training session allowed the under-21 players to interact and train alongside established senior squad members, giving them exposure to high-level competition.
Of the 27 players named in Tuchel's squad, only 26 trained on Tuesday, as Cole Palmer was receiving assessment for a muscle injury sustained during training with Chelsea prior to their game against Arsenal. Palmer's absence prompted the late inclusion of Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White into the squad. He replaced Palmer, who is expected to miss the upcoming fixtures.
Delap, 22, has made waves this season with Ipswich Town, scoring ten goals in 28 Premier League appearances. His performance has been noteworthy given that he was omitted from the initial senior squad for this international break, instead being called to the under-21 side preparing for friendlies against France and Portugal. Delap's call-up symbolizes the recognition of his potential, as he has already netted two goals in ten caps for the under-21 national team.
Meanwhile, Wharton, aged 20, has previously been capped at senior level during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2024, although he did not feature in the Euro 2024 tournament last summer. His performance is pivotal for Crystal Palace, where he has been working to regain his form after facing challenges with a groin injury. Tuchel's attention to Wharton is further emphasized by his attendance at a recent Crystal Palace match, where he observed the midfielder's development.
Harwood-Bellis, a one-time cap for England, scored on his senior debut against the Republic of Ireland back in November 2024. At 23, he has brought vitality to Southampton's tough season in the Premier League and aims to further solidify his position in the senior setup under Tuchel's guidance.
Tuchel's decision to incorporate young blood into the training session aligns with his overarching strategy of balancing experience and youth—a philosophy he articulated during his press conference on March 14, 2025. He stated, “Football in general, and maybe even more international football, is about team spirit. It is about building a team that loves to play with each other, that transports the spirit to the fans, the nation, and the country.” He stressed the importance of creating a harmonious mix of youthful talent and seasoned players to build a cohesive unit.
The coach faced some critiques regarding his squad selection, particularly surrounding the inclusion of veterans like 34-year-old Jordan Henderson, which some believed could hinder opportunities for younger players. However, Tuchel justified this approach by highlighting the leadership qualities that experienced players bring to the team dynamic.
As the Three Lions prepare for their significant World Cup qualifiers, the inclusion of Harwood-Bellis, Wharton, and Delap demonstrates Tuchel’s commitment to offering opportunities to the next generation of English talent. Their training experience with the senior squad may help propel these young players into future competitions and further solidify their roles within the national side.
In the world of international football, where the pressure is high and performances are pivotal, this calculated blend of youth and experience may prove invaluable for England as they aim for success on the global stage.
