Category: Football

  • Five talking points from Tuchel’s first game as England boss

    Five talking points from Tuchel’s first game as England boss

    England started the Thomas Tuchel era with a 2-0 victory over Albania in World Cup qualifying.

    Teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly scored on his senior international debut before captain Harry Kane netted his 70th England goal to seal the win.

    BBC Sport takes a look at some of the talking points from the game.

    Before the game Tuchel created plenty of headlines when he said England looked like they had played with fear at Euro 2024 under his predecessor Gareth Southgate.

    He also suggested he wanted them to play Premier League-style physical football.

    Known for his tactical flexibility, nobody was quite certain what formation Tuchel would opt for – but he sent England out in a 4-2-3-1.

    While Tuchel’s teams are normally known for their intensity and pressing, it was hard for England to show either against a team who set up as defensively as Albania, especially in the first half.

    And the German is also still in the early stages of his reign – having only met his players four days ago for the first time since officially taking over in January.

    “Thomas Tuchel’s had the squad for three days – you can’t expect to see a different England team,” said former Three Lions midfielder Leon Osman on BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “We won the football match. Once we got ahead there was no urgency.

    “We want to be entertained. There is a certain element of control which is good in tournament football.

    “At the minute we’re not in a tournament, we want to be entertained.”

    England had 74% of the ball and 12 shots to Albania’s three – with the hosts recording all six efforts on target in the game.

    In the opening 45 minutes they completed 437 passes, the most on Opta’s records of any England first half.

    The visitors did try to play more after the break, but England’s backline were only tested a few times by substitute Armando Broja.

    The result itself was routine – new England manager or not. The Three Lions are unbeaten in 38 home qualifiers for World Cups or Euros since November 2007, with 34 wins.

    “It was a difficult game from a spectating perspective,” said former England defender Matt Upson on BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “Once we got into the rhythm, it was very much an England game at Wembley against inferior opposition where they struggled to break them down.

    “We are all wanting to see how Thomas Tuchel’s plan is going to happen.

    “There are so many questions, but ultimately they have to manage the game itself and England did that well.”

    Upson added that Tuchel probably learned to “understand what it feels like and looks like tactically” to play against a team in a low block like Albania’s.

    Lewis-Skelly continues rapid rise

    Just a few months ago, Arsenal left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, would barely have been on England’s radar. He had not played a senior professional game until after the September international break.

    But he has broken into Arsenal’s first team, scored against Manchester City and been sent off twice (although one was overturned) in 26 games – and now firmly established himself as a Gunners regular.

    “It doesn’t get much better,” said former Arsenal centre-back Upson.

    “The opportunity has fallen to him, the timing has been great. The amount of injuries Arsenal had got him in the team.

    “Those doors have opened, but he has had to grab those opportunities. He looks to be a top player.”

    Tuchel gave him a chance for England and he took it with both hands.

    In a prime example of the modern full-back role, Lewis-Skelly was front-footed, cutting into central midfield and popping up in the box.

    And he got the opening goal when he appeared in the Albania area to score through Thomas Strakosha’s legs from Jude Bellingham’s fantastic through ball.

    That made him the third-youngest England goalscorer ever – and youngest to net on his debut.

    “In the second half he played as a number eight or a number 10,” said Tuchel.

    “His very best position is where he plays for Arsenal in the double six.

    “We tried to play a bit more conventional today as it’s easier to learn because we have many players from many different clubs, but he understands very quickly.”

    Lewis-Skelly left the pitch to an ovation in the final minute.

    England tried three different left-backs in their final three Nations League games – Lewis Hall, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rico Lewis – but Lewis-Skelly will hope to make the position his own.

    Upson said: “He was absolutely superb. To manage and handle that occasion in the manner he did with the very limited senior football he has had… really speaks volumes about how good a player he is and how far he can go. It was a brilliant evening for him.

    “When you look at the competition for that position, Lewis Hall is probably the closest. You can see a little battle between the two of them for the left-back slot. That was a big moment for Lewis-Skelly tonight to try to cement himself in Thomas Tuchel’s mind for that role.”

    Ex-Everton player Osman added: “He was dead relaxed, but he wasn’t tested defensively.

    “To secure the position he will have to show he can stand up defensively.”

    Burn at centre of things to end dream week

    Centre-back Burn is at the other end of the spectrum when it comes to England debuts.

    This was the 32-year-old’s first appearance for England at any age level. In fact he was the oldest Three Lions debutant since Kevin Davies in 2010.

    It came in what is undoubtedly the best week of the 6ft 7in defender’s career.

    On Sunday, also at Wembley, he headed his boyhood club Newcastle ahead against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final as they won 2-1 to lift a first trophy in 56 years.

    The following day he joined up with England.

    He was given an immediate debut by Tuchel – and did well.

    Burn became the first England debutant to make 100 or more passes on Opta’s record – and ended up completing 135 from 137.

    He made more clearances (seven), won more tackles (two) and won more aerial duels (four) than any other Three Lions player.

    Plus he managed to hit both crossbars, turning a clearance against his own woodwork before later heading Declan Rice’s corner on to the bar.

    Upson said: “He was excellent in the first half, looked very good but didn’t have much to deal with defensively. He showed his threat from set-pieces.”

    However, there were a few moments where he was caught out, especially when Broja came on.

    Marc Guehi, who was one of England’s best players at Euro 2024, watched on from the bench with Ezri Konsa starting alongside Burn.

    “There were a couple of moments in the second half where Burn got hurt in behind, got a bit tight and spun,” said Upson. “His partnership with Konsa was excellent.

    “Konsa’s performance was very assured and showed he’s really developed in the last six months. Playing in the Champions League with Aston Villa has brought him on to the next level.

    “Burn has moments of impact but I thought Konsa is probably best placed to keep his spot.”

    But who didn’t catch the eye?

    England wingers Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford both failed to set the game alight.

    Manchester United forward Rashford, on loan at Villa, was given his first England chance in a year after rediscovering his form under Unai Emery.

    He showed a few good touches, especially early on, but failed to create much.

    Manchester City’s Foden had a similar experience on the right-hand side.

    They were both replaced, along with Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, in the 74th minute.

    “Both of our wingers that started were not as impactful as they can be or as they are in club football,” said Tuchel.

    “At the moment I’m not so sure why we struggled to bring the ball quicker to them.

    “They trained very well, they were decisive in training which is why they deserved it. They were very good in the last weeks in their clubs.

    “We will keep encouraging them and give them a structure so they can show their potential.”

    Upson said: “Foden wants to come inside. He’s not the type of out-and-out winger which Tuchel wants to play.

    “He wants a fast-paced aggressive style – to go at teams. Foden is more of a footballer who likes to come to feet and open things up that way.

    “Rashford showed willingness and he has that speed but didn’t quite find the end product tonight.

    “He was looking not to lose the ball instead of taking a risk. It’s an area that will be tinkered with in games to come.”

    Some things stay the same – Kane scores

    Captain Kane is England’s all-time leading scorer by some way – and he netted his 70th international goal on Friday.

    It came after a fine bit of control to take down Rice’s cross before he passed the ball into the bottom corner.

    Kane is the first England player to score on his first appearance under three different managers – Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate and Tuchel.

    “Typical Kane,” said Upson. “He didn’t get much action for quite long periods but a couple of his passes were superb. He drops deeps and clips those balls over the top.

    “His finish was really high level. The first touch and movement and to find that bottom corner was excellent. Very much a Kane-type performance.

    “He would probably want to be involved in the game a bit more in the build-up. But Albania sat in so didn’t allow him a lot of opportunities to get the ball.”

    The 31-year-old continued his fine association with Tuchel too, having bagged 44 goals in 45 games under the German at Bayern Munich.

    Mauricio Pochettino is now the only manager Kane has scored more goals under.

  • Osimhen, Lookman among world’s top attackers – Troost-Ekong

    Osimhen, Lookman among world’s top attackers – Troost-Ekong

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles Captain, William Troost-Ekong, has lavished praise on Victor Osimhen, ranking him among the world’s top attackers alongside teammate Ademola Lookman.

    Speaking in Kigali on Friday, Troost-Ekong singled out Osimhen’s impressive performance, which saw him score a brace in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda.

    While acknowledging Osimhen’s outstanding display, Troost-Ekong emphasised the collective effort that led to the team’s success.

    He said, “It is not about individual performances.

    “The win against Rwanda was a testament to the team’s hard work and dedication. Everyone played their part, and it is this unity that will drive us forward.”

    He said it was important also to see player like Tolu Arokodare making his debut from the bench and applauded Alhassan Yusuf who Troost-Ekong said was played out of position.

    Troost-Ekong also congratulated Eric Chelle for his first win, adding that “the game was not easy.”

    “We try to understand what the coach want from us. We have only had two training sessions and lots of video sessions too.

    “Today’s win is a glimpse of what we should expect under Coach Eric Chelle” Troost-Ekong said.

    He attributed the highlight of his career to being part of the team over the past decade, during which he had the privilege of learning from numerous captains.

    These experiences, he noted, have greatly facilitated his role in coordinating the team, allowing him to create an environment where new players can thrive and express themselves freely.

  • 2026 WCQ: Zimbabwe players promised N300m each to beat Nigeria

    2026 WCQ: Zimbabwe players promised N300m each to beat Nigeria

    The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign have taken another twist, as their upcoming opponents, Zimbabwe players, have been promised a $150,000 cash incentive to pull off a shock win against the Cheetahs of Benin and the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    Originally, the Warriors, including their technical crew and support staff, were expected to receive $150,000 from the Zimbabwean government if they defeated Benin on Thursday. The encounter ended 2-2.

    Another $150,000 has been earmarked should they stun Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Uyo, a reward that could be seen as both motivation to the Warriors and an insult to the three-time African champions by virtue of its modesty.

    Nigeria’s road to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico has been anything but smooth. The Super Eagles failed to secure a single victory in four qualifiers, sat fifth in Group C behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

  • Super Eagles’ coach demands more inspite Rwanda win

    Super Eagles’ coach demands more inspite Rwanda win

    Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, says the team still needs to improve in spite of the 2-0 victory over the Amavubi of Rwanda on Friday in Kigali.

    The encounter was a matchday 5 fixture of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

    The Malian said at the post match conference that he is happy with the performance of his players against a tough Rwandan side.

    He expressed delight at the win but stressed the need for the team to improve ahead of there next game on Tuesday in Uyo against bottom placed Zimbabwe.

    “I just want to say it was a difficult game because Rwanda is a good side, I know the coach, he is a good coach, we made a great game too.

    “I am so happy and proud of my players, my guys and the Nigerian people” Chelle said.

    He said the team worked a lot in the last one week sourcing information for his players with lots of video sessions after two training practices.

    “I think the victory or the win is normal because in the first half they had only one chance to score.

    “We keep the ball in the 2nd half. We played two to three systems .

    “I am happy now because this is just one game. We have some weaknesses and some strengths, my job is to think about the game project” Chelle said.

  • 2026 WCQ: Osimhen, Lookman lead Nigeria’s starting XI against Rwanda

    2026 WCQ: Osimhen, Lookman lead Nigeria’s starting XI against Rwanda

    Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will lead Nigeria’s attack against Rwanda as Eric Chelle named his starting eleven in the 2026 World Cup qualifier.

    This is Chelle’s first official outing and starting XI since he took charge of the team in January.

    Currently 5th in Group C with three points, Nigeria will have to win all its matches left to stand a chance of qualifying automatically to next year’s finals in USA, Mexico, and Canada.

    The starting eleven consists of players who have been featured consistently for the clubs in recent times.

    Stanley Nwabali retains his position in goal. The back four is made up of captain William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel. Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are expected to control proceedings from the middle, while Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon operate from the flanks.

    Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are expected to convert chances created.

  • 2026 WCQ: Rwanda vs Nigeria – preview, team news, how to watch

    2026 WCQ: Rwanda vs Nigeria – preview, team news, how to watch

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles will aim to revive their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign when they face Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

    With their qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the pressure is on for the three-time African champions to secure a much-needed victory.

    Match Details

    Fixture: Rwanda vs. Nigeria
    Competition: FIFA World Cup Qualification (CAF) – Group C
    Matchday: 5
    Date: Friday, 21 March 2025
    Kick-off Time: 5:00 Nigeria time

    Venue: Amahoro Stadium, Kigali

    How to Watch

    Fans in Nigeria can catch the action live on SuperSport, while Rwandan supporters can tune in to RTV Rwanda for full coverage.

    Team Form and Previous Meetings

    Nigeria will be looking to avenge their shocking 1-2 defeat to Rwanda in Uyo last November, which marked Amavubi’s first-ever victory over the Super Eagles.

    The reverse fixture in Kigali last September ended in a goalless draw.

    With just three points from four games, Nigeria is yet to register a win in the qualifiers (D3, L1), a record they must improve if they hope to make their first World Cup appearance since 2018.

    Meanwhile, Rwanda currently tops Group C with seven points from four matches and remains unbeaten in its last three encounters against Nigeria.

    Predicted Lineups

    Both teams head into this fixture with full squads and no major injury concerns.

    Rwanda (4-3-3)
    Goalkeeper: Fiacre Ntwari
    Defenders: Fitina Ombolenga, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Ishimwe Yannick
    Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana, Gilbert Nshuti, Jean Ruboneka
    Forwards: Didier Mugisha, Hakim Sahabo, Innocent Nshuti

    Nigeria (4-3-3)
    Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
    Defenders: Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi
    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi
    Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface

    Nigeria will be boosted by the return of Victor Osimhen, who missed the first four qualifiers. The Galatasaray striker has been in fine form and is expected to lead the attack.

    Match Analysis

    Newly appointed coach Eric Chelle faces a tough task as he looks to steer Nigeria back on track. Anything less than a win could severely dent the Super Eagles’ qualification chances.

    Rwanda, on the other hand, has relied on a solid defensive setup, conceding just one goal in four matches. With Nigeria struggling for consistency and Amavubi proving resilient at home, this encounter is set to be a tight contest.

    Head-to-Head Record

    Total Meetings: 7
    Nigeria Wins: 2
    Draws: 4
    Rwanda Wins: 1
    Prediction

    Given Rwanda’s defensive solidity and Nigeria’s recent struggles in attack, this is likely to be a low-scoring affair. The Super Eagles have kept five clean sheets in their last seven meetings with Rwanda, while six of those games saw under 2.5 goals.

    Prediction: Rwanda 0-1 Nigeria

    Will the Super Eagles bounce back, or will Rwanda extend their unbeaten streak in Group C? All eyes will be on Kigali as these teams battle for crucial points.

  • 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Vinicius fires stoppage time winner for Brazil

    2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Vinicius fires stoppage time winner for Brazil

    Vinicius Junior struck a dramatic winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time to give Brazil a 2-1 win over Colombia in their South American World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

    The five-time world champions had taken a sixth-minute lead in Brasilia through a Raphinha penalty only for Luis Diaz’s fine 41st-minute strike for Colombia to level the game.

    Colombia enjoyed the most pressure in the second half but were ultimately sunk by the Real Madrid winger’s dramatic winner.

    The victory leaves Brazil well-positioned in second place in the 10-team CONMEBOL qualifying group, four points behind leaders Argentina who travel to Uruguay on Friday.

    A foul from Daniel Munoz on Vinicius resulted in the early penalty for Brazil and Raphinha, taking a short run-up, confidently slotted home the spot-kick to give the home side an early lead.

    But four minutes before the break, James Rodriguez found Liverpool’s Diaz on the left and the winger moved inside before driving it home into the far, bottom corner of the net.

    Rodriguez had an opening in the 68th minute, after a smart move from Colombia, but the playmaker’s shot was comfortably dealt with by Alisson Becker.

    Diaz’s Liverpool team-mate Becker had to go off injured in the 78th minute, with an apparent concussion, after a collision with Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez which resulted in the defender being stretchered off.

    While Colombia enjoyed the bulk of attacking possession, Brazil remained a threat and Guilherme Arana flashed a shot wide in the 82nd minute.

    The Alisson injury had created the lengthy stoppage time and Vinicius took advantage with his fiercely struck effort taking a slight deflection off a defender’s head and flying in.

    “Today’s goal is a bit of relief, a bit of happiness. Playing for the national team is something you can’t explain,” said Vinicius.

    “Every time we come here, it’s like it’s the first time”.

    Brazil face old rivals Argentina on Tuesday.

    It was a bitter ending for a Colombia side who sit in sixth place still with work to do in qualifying.

    “We kept Brazil in their half, I think we deserved more again, but that’s the way it is. I have a lot of doubts about the refereeing decisions, which I’m not going to comment on,” said Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo.

    “We played a great game and came away with nothing again. We conceded a very early goal again,” he lamented.

    In other South American qualifiers on Thursday, Paraguay beat bottom-placed Chile 1-0 in Asuncion, a result that left La Roja rooted to the bottom of the table.

    Veteran 41-year-old striker Paolo Guerrero was on target as Peru beat Bolivia 3-1 to move off the bottom.

    Andy Polo opened the scoring in the 37th minute before Guerrero found the target on the stroke of half-time.

    Bolivia pulled one back with a Miguel Terceros penalty in the 58th minute before Edison Flores restored the two-goal cushion in the 82nd minute.

    On Friday, Ecuador host Venezuela and Uruguay are at home to leaders Argentina.

  • Barcelona, Osasuna appeals over rearranged match date rejected

    Barcelona, Osasuna appeals over rearranged match date rejected

    Barcelona and Osasuna’s appeals against the rescheduled date of their postponed La Liga match were rejected Thursday by the Spanish Football Federation’s appeals committee.

    The La Liga leaders will host Osasuna on March 27 after the game was cancelled when a Barcelona club doctor died on the original date, March 8.

    Barcelona appealed against the new date because it allowed some of their players “insufficient time to rest” following international duty.

    “Precedent… establishes that national team call-ups are not sufficient grounds for rescheduling a match… when the team affected has enough players to play the match,” said the federation’s appeals committee.

    Winger Raphinha is part of Brazil’s squad for a World Cup qualifier at Argentina set to kick off at 0000 GMT on March 26, while defender Ronald Araujo travels with Uruguay to visit Bolivia on March 25 at 2000 GMT.

    Osasuna also appealed against the new date because they would be left with less than 72 hours of rest before their next match, which was scheduled for March 28 at Athletic Bilbao.

    The committee said the Bilbao match would be moved to March 30 to allow Osasuna recovery time.

  • Conditions hurt Arsenal as Wright says pitch a ‘disgrace’

    Conditions hurt Arsenal as Wright says pitch a ‘disgrace’

    Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says the “next step for women’s football” is to have better pitches after Gunners legend Ian Wright described Real Madrid’s playing surface as a “disgrace”.

    Wright made his feelings known during Arsenal’s 2-0 Women’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat at the Estadio Alfredo di Stefano.

    Playing conditions at the home of Real Madrid men’s reserves deteriorated at a rapid rate, making free-flowing football difficult for both sides.

    Wright’s criticism on social media came after complaints from Chelsea players and pundits about the pitch for the Women’s League Cup final at Derby County’s Pride Park last Saturday.

    Former Netherlands midfielder Slegers admitted the wet and muddy conditions against Real Madrid played their part in her side’s defeat on Tuesday.

    The return leg will be played at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on 26 March.

    Asked whether Real Madrid’s main Bernabeu stadium should have been used for the first leg, Slegers added: “It’s not on me to criticise.

    “It’s obviously a club decision and I’m sure that Uefa is trying to create the best conditions for the tournament. Of course, the weather is not always in our control.

    “But I think we’ve seen a couple of games lately where the pitch conditions haven’t been great and I think that’s the next step for women’s football to take.”

    Slegers, who was appointed permanent Arsenal head coach in January after an impressive interim spell, added: “We knew the condition of the pitch. We spoke about it with the players before the game.

    “So we had a plan for it, but then it’s always hard because over a season and over time you work on things and you have an identity, the way you want to do things.

    “So then reality comes and these conditions come and all of a sudden you need to do things differently so that’s hard.”

    What did Wright say?

    Former England striker Wright, who scored 185 goals in 288 appearances for Arsenal between 1991 and 1998, posted a video on social media during the women’s team’s game on Tuesday.

    The conditions in Madrid were not helped by heavy rain that caused the pitch to easily cut up.

    “Watching the Champions League quarter-final. Real Madrid’s pitch – this is worse than Derby’s pitch the other day in the Conti Cup final,” added Wright.

    “This is a disgrace the pitches these girls have to play on.”

    Former Leeds striker Lucy Ward, who was working on the match for TNT Sports, was also critical.

    “I’m watching players who usually deal with the ball well, struggle to come to terms with it in these first 10 minutes,” she said.

    “This pitch is awful.”

    Last Saturday Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert said Derby’s Pride Park pitch was “not fit for a final” after her side beat Manchester City 2-1.

    Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor added: “I’m not sure if it was a men’s final game it would be the same. We just need to make sure we have the best facilities and grass to play the games.”

    ‘It needs to be better’

    Former England striker Ellen White says it is important for women’s football that the standard of pitches improves – to help both the product and for the safety of the players.

    Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast, White said: “We’ve seen the men’s League Cup final at Wembley, and I’m not saying it has to be at Wembley, but I just think to keep growing our game and the standards you know [we need to] keep hammering that home that I think it needs to be better, it needs to be looked at.”

    Unlike the men’s League Cup final, which is played at Wembley, the women’s has no permanent home, with organisers wanting to bring the event to different areas of the country.

    Former Arsenal defender Jen Beattie, speaking on the same programme, said the state of the pitch for Saturday’s cup final overshadowed the match.

    “Ultimately, we’re trying to get the best product of football, it’s a huge game, two great footballing teams and you want it to be a good spectacle to watch,” Beattie said.

    “I still enjoyed watching it, don’t get me wrong, but it’s hard when the conversation after the game is about the pitch, and not about the players and highlighting the performances and how good they are as players, that was the frustration for me.”

  • ‘Incredible’ Tuchel helped Gibbs-White over England upset

    ‘Incredible’ Tuchel helped Gibbs-White over England upset

    Morgan Gibbs-White says Thomas Tuchel has been “incredible” with England’s players – even though the midfielder was upset when the new head coach initially left him on the sidelines.

    Nottingham Forest’s Gibbs-White was told by Tuchel he would not be selected for England’s opening 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    But following an injury to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer on Sunday, Tuchel contacted Gibbs-White and he was called up for the games against Albania and Latvia.

    “He phoned me up and said ‘Are you still upset with me, or do you want to join us, and fancy training with us tomorrow?’” Gibbs-White told BBC Radio 5 Live.

    “There was no question there. I was smiling from ear-to-ear. I am delighted.”

    That is a stark contrast to how Gibbs-White felt when the 25-year-old initially missed out.

    He has helped Forest to third place in the Premier League table and believed he had done enough to earn England recognition.

    “I was upset, a little bit disappointed, but at the same time you always have to look at the quality of players England have,” Gibbs-White said.

    “I took that into consideration, but when he told me, I respected his decision.

    “I said to him ‘I think I have done enough to get the call-up considering the club form that we are in, but you are the manager, you make the decisions, and I will respect that’.”

    Tuchel reached out to several England players before they came together for the games at Wembley on 21 and 24 March.

    They included Gibbs-White, who was hoping to earn a recall after winning his first two caps under interim boss Lee Carsley last September and November.

    “To be fair, [Tuchel] has been incredible,” Gibbs-White said. “I think he has done [that] with most of the players.

    “I think as soon as he got the job he has been in contact with the majority of the players. He is a really easy-going sort of guy, nice to speak to.

    “I felt it was top from him, really good starting that relationship with us before even meeting us.”

    Gibbs-White was part of Tuchel’s first training session on Monday, in which the former Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain manager spelled out want he wants from his players.

    “He is really intense and that is the first thing I took from it,” said Gibbs-White.

    “I believe when you know someone knows what he wants, you believe in it as well.

    “That intensity to show that he is not just here for a jolly, he is here to win, that was really nice to see.”

    ‘Champions League? I’d have snapped your hand off’

    Tuesday marked exactly 12 months since Nottingham Forest were deducted four points for a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

    That dropped them into the relegation zone, but they finished 17th, one place and six points above the bottom three.

    Now they are just four points behind second-placed Arsenal and on course to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

    “When you put it like that, it’s a remarkable year,” said Gibbs-White. “Just to see where we have come from, from this time last year, is incredible.

    “I think the Forest fans deserve that the most. Getting back into the Premier League was one thing.

    “Scrambling in relegation for the two years we were in the Premier League obviously wasn’t nice. It wasn’t enjoyable, but now we have given the fans something to cheer about.”

    Gibbs-White has been Forest’s captain for most of the season, claiming five league goals and seven assists, and feels he is in “the best form I have ever been in”.

    “Coming here [with England] with that confidence, that level of football at the minute, I feel as though I am in a really good place,” he said.

    “[I’m] really proud. Walking out at the City Ground every week, I do get goosebumps.”

    To float the idea of Forest flying so high would have been hard to believe 12 months ago.

    “I would have snapped your hand off. I’d have thought you were talking rubbish,” Gibbs-White said.

    “Funny thing is, in pre-season we had that belief that we could do something this season. Did we think to this level? Probably not, but we felt that we could achieve something decent this season.

    “With the pre-season we had under the manager [Nuno Espirito Santo], because he really implemented his ideas, and his man management and his belief into the players, he really got to know everyone individually and I think that is what has helped us massively.

    “We work so hard, day in and day out, to achieve these sorts of goals and you know everyone is just in a good place at the minute.

    “The morale is high and the vibe is very high.”