UPDATE: In a surprising twist, Thomas Tuchel has pledged to personally reach out to Morgan Gibbs-White via FaceTime after the Nottingham Forest star was left out of England’s latest squad. This news comes as a significant blow for Gibbs-White, who had been a regular feature in the Three Lions setup over the past year.
Gibbs-White, aged 25, was called up to represent England multiple times this season, including the camps in September and October 2023. However, he was notably absent from the squad for recent matches against Serbia and Albania, leaving his spot in the England lineup under threat amidst fierce competition.
With the World Cup looming next summer, every match is crucial for players aiming to secure a place on the plane to North America. The battle for the No. 10 position is intensifying, particularly between rising stars like Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers, with Phil Foden also vying for a position after his return to the senior squad.
Tuchel, who has taken on the role of England’s head coach, emphasized the importance of communication with players who were left out. He stated, “First of all, it’s my job now to make contact with everyone… explain to them why they were not here and what they need to improve.” His commitment to reaching out reflects a new approach to player management as the World Cup approaches.
“I hate phone calls. Better on FaceTime. Then I see the expression, at least, and get a feeling for the person,” Tuchel added, indicating his intent to foster a more personal connection with players.
Tuchel’s willingness to engage directly with players like Gibbs-White underscores the coach’s dedication to transparency and development. Gibbs-White confirmed Tuchel contacted him before the squad announcement, explaining his omission: “That’s football and the competition of the England squad. Incredible players I’m fighting for a spot,” he said, acknowledging the tough competition within the national team.
This personal touch from Tuchel could potentially influence Gibbs-White’s future performances as he focuses on his club duties at Nottingham Forest. With Tuchel hinting at possible visits to training grounds, including Forest, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for players like Gibbs-White to showcase their skills and secure a spot in the national squad.
As the countdown to the World Cup continues, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Gibbs-White responds to this latest challenge. Will he secure his place on the team, or will he face an uphill battle as the competition intensifies? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
