Ten EFL players Tuchel should consider for England

Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham and Burnley's James Trafford are rumoured to be potential England call-ups for new boss Thomas Tuchel

England boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly open to calling up Championship players for international duty as he takes charge for the first time during their World Cup qualifying matches.

England face Albania on 21 March at Wembley, before welcoming Latvia three days later.

It is understood the German has already been keeping an eye on a couple of second-tier stars - but are there more in the ranks who deserve a shot at representing their country?

Here is a look at some of the players who might make the cut...

James Trafford (Burnley)

Trafford was part of the matchday squad for five of England's games last year but has yet to make his senior debut

The Burnley goalkeeper has been exceptional this season so it would be no surprise if he is called up by Tuchel.

The 19-times capped England Under-21 international already received a promotion to the senior squad in 2024 after Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale withdrew.

This season the 22-year-old has kept an incredible 19 clean sheets for the Clarets in 28 Championship games, with Burnley only conceding nine goals in total.

As for 2025... Trafford is yet to pick the ball out of his net.

Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)

Jobe Bellingham is the younger brother of England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude

Sunderland's teenage sensation Jobe Bellingham is the other name on Tuchel's list.

The 19-year-old has been undroppable this season, having played every minute in 25 of his 26 appearances for the side - only a red card against QPR ruining his unblemished pitch time.

The younger Bellingham brings a physical presence onto the pitch and adds versatility to the squad, having being rotated in each of the midfield positions as well as covering as a centre forward for Sunderland last season.

Alfie Doughty (Luton Town)

Doughty has top-flight experience, having made 37 appearances for Luton Town in last season's Premier League campaign

It is no secret that England do not have a set left-back - but Luton Town's Alfie Doughty could be one to fill that hole.

Manchester United's Luke Shaw is likely to be Tuchel's first choice for the position but the 29-year-old has been plagued with injuries.

It leaves Newcastle's Lewis Hall as the only other player from England's past squads playing regular football, with Chelsea's Ben Chilwell out of favour with boss Enzo Maresca.

"If Tuchel does insist on playing as a back three, Alfie is one of the quickest I've seen and is a natural left-sided left-back," Colchester forward Lyle Taylor told the 72+ podcast.

Chris Rigg (Sunderland)

Rigg made history as the youngest player to appear for Sunderland at 15

It will be a tough task for Sunderland's Chris Rigg to break into the squad this time around, but he is definitely one to keep an eye on for the future.

Like Jobe Bellingham, Rigg is a regular feature for the Black Cats and has drawn praise for his dynamic and aggressive play.

At just 17, he is not quite the fully developed package, but he has already shown what a leader he can be, captaining England Under-16s as well as wearing the armband for the Under-17s' Euros quarter-final against Italy.

Harrison Burrows (Sheffield United)

Burrows was named League One's player of the season last year while playing for Peterborough

Sheffield United's Harrison Burrows has a wicked left foot and the magic he creates with it has helped the Blades in their hunt for promotion this season.

The left-back is a strong passer, which may work well with Tuchel's desire to maintain high volumes of possession, and leans more towards attack than defence which would allow England's new boss to use him in a more creative role.

James Beadle (Sheffield Wednesday)

Beadle first joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan in January 2024 before re-signing this season

In the absence of James Trafford, James Beadle became the number one pick for England's under-21s and has been impressing while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday from Brighton.

It is likely that only injuries would create a chance for 20-year-old Beadle to receive a call-up in March, but Trafford's ascension last year shows age is no barrier.

CJ Egan-Riley (Burnley)

Egan-Riley has represented both England and Republic of Ireland at youth level

Defender CJ Egan-Riley is a regular starter for Burnley - a side that has conceded just nine goals in their 29 Championship games.

The 22-year-old is clearly doing something right and, given that part of what makes England centre-backs Harry Maguire and John Stones tick is their synergy with one another, any inclusion now may be beneficial for the future.

Tom Fellows (West Brom)

Fellows broke into England's under-21 team last year and scored his first international goal on his second appearance

The days of players occupying their stronger sides might have gone out of fashion, but right-footed Tom Fellows thrives on the right-hand side for West Bromwich Albion, providing 10 assists this season.

The 21-year-old's passing and crossing ability will appeal to Tuchel.

"I love watching him," former Reading and Jamaica midfielder Jobi McAnuff said on the 72+ podcast.

"You kind of know what he's going to - the little step over with the left, puts it onto his right and picks a lovely ball out over to that back post."

Sam Tickle (Wigan Athletic)

Tickle kept a clean sheet during his first and only cap for England Under-21s against Luxembourg

The Championship is not the only place to seek out young talent - especially if you are looking for first pick goalkeepers.

Wigan's Sam Tickle has played every League One match for the Latics this season, keeping 11 clean sheets out of his 27 games.

"Tickle has been absolutely magnificent at Wigan. I loved his decision to stay there and play games," McAnuff said of the 22-year-old.

"Playing football regularly at a young age is so important for development."

Dennis Cirkin (Sunderland)

Cirkin grew up in London and has multiple international caps for England's youth teams

Dublin-born Dennis Cirkin is another left-back who could benefit from a lack of options in that position for Tuchel.

He is the favoured choice for Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, who uses width to get past opponents - a similar tactic to the one Tuchel employed while at Chelsea with Reece James and Ben Chilwell.

Cirkin would also provide plenty of pace for the German's high-pressing style of play.

Have we missed anyone?

Let us know in the comments section.