Thomas Tuchel takes first England coaching session forward of debut as Three Lions boss in opposition to Albania

Thomas Tuchel has taken his first training session ahead of his debut as England boss later this week. 

The long wait to see the former Chelsea manager in the Three Lions dug out is nearly over but first, work is at hand to ensure that Tuchel’s 26-man squad can help to get his tenure off to the perfect start at Wembley. 

The German was all smiles as England stars reported for duty at St George’s Park on Monday and he was later seen leading his troops out for their first session. 

England take on Albania and Latvia at Wembley over the next seven days. Tuchel, who officially started work on January 1 after being appointed last October, has been tasked with winning the 2026 World Cup in less than 18 months time. 

Given the stated aim, his first national team selection on Friday raised more than a few eyebrows. One of the surprise names was Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford. 

The forward has been rejuvenated since his move to Aston Villa in January and he could be seen among the England stars taking the field on Monday afternoon in Staffordshire. 

Thomas Tuchel has taken his first training session ahead of his debut as England boss this week

Three Lions stars were in good spirits as they took to the field for training on Monday

Upon arriving at England’s base, Rashford seen sharing a warm hug with Jordan Henderson, with the former Liverpool captain a shock pick by Tuchel having seemingly had his international career ended by Gareth Southgate last year when he was left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024.

Henderson caught up with many of his team-mates, including Jude Bellingham, Delan Rice and Reece James, while he similarly had an embrace with Tuchel. 

There was also the sight of Dan Burn at England’s HQ, just hours after he won the Carabao Cup with Newcastle. The giant defender had scored and put in a brilliant performance in the Magpies’ 2-1 win over Liverpool in the final at Wembley.

Burn, 32, earned his maiden call-up last week despite having never featured for the Three Lions at any level as Tuchel chose to reward the defender for his fine form at St James’ Park over the past three years. 

Several regular members of the squad, including the likes of Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford looked in positive spirits upon arrival, but somes less experienced names were also among the group.

Myles Lewis-Skelly had a delighted expression on his face as he reported for duty for the first time following his breakout campaign for Arsenal.

Elsewhere, Tino Livramento, Morgan Rogers and James Trafford were also seen greeting Tuchel in public.

A number of those stars, including Burn, Livramento and Lewis-Skelly were not seen in the footage released by the FA of the session, having played in matches on Sunday. 

Although, Curtis Jones was among the training participants despite coming on as a late substitute in Liverpool’s League Cup final defeat by the Magpies.