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For Marc Guéhi, a fleeting spark of uncertainty was understandable. The Selhurst Park defender had excelled for England at Euro 2024, cementing himself as a first-choice pick under Gareth Southgate, and his standing stayed intact after Lee Carsley’s tenure in the first half of last season.

Then came Thomas Tuchel, and it is worth remembering that this was the manager who had sanctioned Guéhi’s sale from Chelsea to Crystal Palace in the offseason of 2021. Guéhi certainly recalled that. Was Tuchel fancy him? When the new broom swept another defender into the starting XI for his debut in charge, versus Albania at Wembley in March, leaving Guéhi as an unused substitute, it wasn’t great.

Tuchel started Guéhi in the next game, against Latvia, again at Wembley, before he was not able to pick him for his next gathering in June, which took in the fixtures versus Andorra on the road and Senegal in Nottingham. Guéhi had suffered an eye injury during his club’s memorable FA Cup final win against Manchester City.

“I’d say it’s natural for every player to almost question that,” Guéhi says, looking back at his absence from Albania. “You know, new manager arriving … who knows what the team’s going to look like, it’s unknown who’s going to play?”

The thing Guéhi did next was exactly what he always does – stay completely in the moment, as composed as possible. Which would benefit him during a hectic end to the summer transfer window when the Palace chair, Steve Parish, blocked his planned move to Liverpool.

The next day, Guéhi joined up with England for the matches against Andorra at Villa Park and Serbia in Belgrade and he worked like a demon. Not a soul would have been aware about any internal turmoil. It is difficult not to see that gathering and those games as a pivotal moment for Guéhi, the time when he won Tuchel around. The young defender started in each and was particularly impressive in the five-nil win over Serbia, even adding his first international goal.

The faith cuts both ways. Tuchel has this ability of drawing players in, of supporting them; it was one of the main factors why the FA hired him. “I think what the manager has achieved is show a lot of belief in every single one of us,” Guéhi comments. “Any time we receive the chance, we aim to show what we can achieve.”

Faith as the Central Idea

Trust is the theme – and not just because Guéhi is the son of a church minister and devoutly Christian. England meet Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday night before traveling to Riga to play Latvia in their next World Cup qualifying tie next Tuesday and Tuchel has framed it all with his squad selection.

It was, quite, the most stunning demonstration of support in the players from the previous camp, those who had gone to Serbia and ignited Tuchel’s reign. Each of the 24 who are available have been retained – so excluding Tino Livramento or Noni Madueke, who have long-term issues. Or Reece James, who was obliged to withdraw on Monday because of a less serious one.

Tuchel’s Choices and Team Dynamics

Tuchel’s decision to overlook the fit-again Jude Bellingham has led the conversation – to the extent that the exclusion of Phil Foden, who is also back to fitness, has been rendered as a bit of a footnote.

That which should not be overlooked – and what Tuchel hopes won’t be ignored – is how he has stood by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was a last-minute addition in September to replace the hurt Adam Wharton, even though Loftus-Cheek having surrendered his spot in Milan’s Serie A side. Or how he retained Jarell Quansah, who came in for the injured John Stones in September, although the former now being OK and in the group. Though, Quansah himself was forced to withdraw on Wednesday because of a knock.

Here is how a coach creates a performance-based culture, how he forges connections. Tuchel admired the unit supporting the team in Serbia, the unsung heroes on the sidelines, and he aimed to recognize them. Bellingham or Loftus‑Cheek? Is it even a question? Tuchel has effectively turned it into one for this camp – and he sees an positive in the signal he has sent. Reputations will not sway him. Being a supportive colleague will.

Building a Brotherhood

Coinciding with perfect timing that Steven Gerrard spoke candidly in an interview with his ex England colleague Rio Ferdinand on Tuesday, revealing how egotistical and divided their so-called golden generation team was. The talent was not in question; it was the environment that limited them and Tuchel is determined to get this right. He was speaking about a “brotherhood” within the team before his initial match.

“There’s any tension between anyone,” Guéhi explains. “We are, as we say when we’re here, Team England. Whatever has gone on in the past or whatever is going on in the season, you leave that aside. You arrive here, these are your best friends, your teammates, the players that you battle with for however long you’re here.

“The environment is always great when we’re here. The FA, previous managers and the players themselves, the staff, have done a excellent job at creating an atmosphere. Then again, it comes down to the players to actually buy into that. In my opinion each member has accepted that brilliantly because I enjoy so much coming here and I am sure the others of the players do, too.”

Looking Ahead

What Tuchel wants against Wales is a showing that excites the Wembley crowd. Those versus Albania and Latvia were steady enough; the wins welcome, the first steps on the path to the World Cup next summer. But they were not thrillers. Will the team continue the intensity they displayed in Serbia? The last thoughts go to Guéhi.

“For me, anxiety is a normal human emotion,” he states about being benched in Albania. “But I was picked in that squad. It signifies that the boss has opted for me for this chance and whether I’m starting or not I’ll still back the team.

“So personally, worrying can be a futile effort. You only get so many days on this planet. I’d rather be excited and focused and help the people that I can – or improve personally – by striving to be the best that I can be instead of worrying.”