England squad: Thomas Tuchel has serious questions to ponder

Tuchel created a major stir when recalling Jordan Henderson in March, the former Liverpool captain having not played for his country since November 2023. The move was regarded as a retrograde step and not one designed to signpost the future to next summer’s World Cup.

Henderson, who was 35 in June, has since moved back to the Premier League with Brentford after his Ajax spell, but it remains to be seen whether Tuchel regards this as the sort of switch to keep him in his thoughts.

The German has cited Henderson’s influence, and he is the most consummate professional, around the squad, but time is ticking towards next summer and it is difficult to see him as a World Cup contender.

There must also be questions marks over Kyle Walker, also 35, who had a nightmare against Senegal. He looked off the pace after an ill-fated loan move to AC Milan from Manchester City.

Walker has since signed for Burnley in a return to the Premier League, insisting he is rejuvenated and in search of the four England caps to reach his century.

But will Tuchel see it the same way?

He could turn to youth, though, with Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento and has Chelsea captain Reece James and Real Madrid right- back Trent Alexander-Arnold available.

The last one may be a stretch after Tuchel selected Alexander-Arnold’s former Liverpool team-mate Curtis Jones, a midfielder, ahead of him in that position in the win against Andorra.