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In the case of Marc Guéhi, a momentary flicker of self-doubt was natural. The Crystal Palace centre‑half had shone for England at the European Championships, cementing himself as a first-choice pick under the previous manager, and his status stayed secure after Lee Carsley’s tenure in the initial part of last season.

Then came Thomas Tuchel, and it is worth remembering that this was the manager who had sanctioned Guéhi’s transfer from Stamford Bridge to Palace in the offseason of 2021. Guéhi definitely recalled that. Was Tuchel fancy him? When the new broom brought another defender into the starting XI for his debut in charge, against Albania at Wembley in March, with Guéhi as an unused substitute, it did not look 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 included the matches versus Andorra on the road and Senegal in Nottingham. Guéhi had sustained an eye injury during Palace’s memorable FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

“In my opinion it’s natural for every player to practically doubt that,” Guéhi states, looking back at his absence against Albania. “You know, new manager coming in … it’s unclear what the team’s going to look like, it’s unknown who’s going to feature?”

What Guéhi did next was exactly what he always does – remain completely in the present, as balanced as possible. This approach would serve him well during a dramatic end to the offseason window when the Palace chair, Steve Parish, blocked his proposed transfer to Liverpool.

The next day, Guéhi reported with England for the games versus Andorra at Villa Park and Serbia in Belgrade and he trained like a man possessed. Not a soul would have been aware about any personal doubts. It is hard not to see that camp and those games as a turning point for Guéhi, the time when he won Tuchel over. The 25-year-old was selected in each and was particularly impressive in the 5-0 win against Serbia, even adding his maiden strike for his country.

The faith cuts both ways. Tuchel has this knack of drawing players in, of supporting them; it was one of the main reasons why the FA hired him. “In my view what the manager has done is demonstrate a lot of faith in every single one of us,” Guéhi comments. “Whenever we receive the chance, we aim to show what we can achieve.”

Faith as the Central Idea

Faith is the theme – and not just because Guéhi is the son of a pastor and deeply Christian. England face Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday night before traveling to Riga to face Latvia in their next World Cup qualifier next Tuesday and Tuchel has shaped it all with his squad selection.

It was, quite, the most stunning demonstration of confidence in the players from the last get‑together, those who had gone to Serbia and sparked Tuchel’s tenure. Every one of the 24 who are fit have been retained – so excluding Tino Livramento or Noni Madueke, who have serious injuries. Or Reece James, who was obliged to withdraw on Monday because of a more minor one.

The Manager’s Decisions and Team Unity

His decision to omit the returned Jude Bellingham has dominated the conversation – to the point that the omission of Phil Foden, who is likewise back to fitness, has been rendered as a something of a footnote.

What should not be ignored – and what Tuchel does not want ignored – is how he has stood by Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was a last-minute addition in September to cover for the injured Adam Wharton, despite Loftus-Cheek having lost his spot in Milan’s Serie A team. Or how he retained Jarell Quansah, who stepped up for the injured John Stones in September, although the former now being fit and in the group. Though, Quansah himself was forced to withdraw on Wednesday because of a knock.

This is how a manager creates a performance-based culture, how he forges connections. Tuchel loved the team behind the team in Serbia, the unsung heroes on the sidelines, and he wanted to reward 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 delivered. Past accolades will not influence him. Acting as a supportive colleague will.

Building a Strong Unit

Coinciding with good timing that Steven Gerrard opened up in an interview with his ex England colleague Rio Ferdinand on Tuesday, disclosing how self-centered and divided their so-called golden generation team was. The talent was not in question; it was the environment that held them back and Tuchel is determined to fix this. He was talking about a “close-knit group” within the squad before his initial match.

“There isn’t any tension between anybody,” Guéhi explains. “We are, as we say when we’re here, Team England. No matter has gone on in the before or whatever is occurring in the campaign, you put that aside. You arrive here, these become your best friends, your teammates, the players that you battle with for however long you’re here.

“The environment is consistently great when we’re here. The football association, previous managers and the players themselves, the staff, have performed a excellent role at creating an spirit. Additionally, it depends on the individuals to actually buy into that. I think each member has bought into that superbly because I enjoy immensely being here and I am sure the rest of the lads feel the same, too.”

Future Focus

That which Tuchel expects against Wales is a performance that stirs the Wembley fans. Those against Albania and Latvia were steady enough; the victories positive, the first steps on the road to the World Cup next year. But they were not pulse‑quickeners. Will the team build on the intensity they displayed in Serbia? The last thoughts go to Guéhi.

“For me, anxiety is a normal feeling,” he states about not playing against Albania. “But I was picked in that group. It means that the manager has chosen me for this chance and if I’m starting or not I’ll still support the team.

“So personally, worrying can be a futile effort. You don’t have many moments on this planet. I prefer to be excited and focused and assist the teammates that I can – or help myself – by being the best that I can be instead of stressing.”