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In the case of Marc Guéhi, a fleeting flicker of uncertainty was natural. The Crystal Palace defender had excelled for England at the European Championships, cementing himself as a key pick under the previous manager, and his standing remained secure following Lee Carsley’s spell in the first half of last season.

Enter Thomas Tuchel, which is important to recall that this was the coach who had approved Guéhi’s sale from Chelsea to Crystal Palace in the summer of 2021. Guéhi certainly remembered that. Was Tuchel rate him? When the fresh leadership swept Dan Burn into the lineup for his first game in charge, against Albania at Wembley in March, with Guéhi as an unused substitute, it wasn’t promising.

Tuchel selected Guéhi in the following game, versus Latvia, also at Wembley, before he was unable to pick him for his second camp in June, which took in the fixtures versus Andorra away and Senegal in Nottingham. Guéhi had sustained an eye injury during his club’s memorable FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.

“I’d say it’s normal for every player to practically question that,” Guéhi states, looking back at his omission against Albania. “You know, new manager coming in … who knows what the squad’s going to look like, who knows who is going to feature?”

What Guéhi did next was what he always does – stay firmly in the moment, as composed as he could be. This approach would serve him well during a dramatic end to the offseason window when the Palace chair, Steve Parish, prevented his planned transfer to Liverpool.

The following day, Guéhi reported with England for the matches versus Andorra at Villa Park and Serbia in Belgrade and he worked like a man possessed. Not a soul would have known about any internal turmoil. It is hard not to see that camp and those games as a turning point for Guéhi, the time when he earned Tuchel around. The 25-year-old was selected in each and was especially good in the five-nil win over Serbia, even contributing his maiden strike for his country.

The trust works both ways. Tuchel has this ability of bringing players in, of supporting them; it was a primary factors why the FA hired him. “I think what the manager has done is demonstrate a lot of belief in every single one of us,” Guéhi says. “Whenever we do get the chance, we want to display what we can achieve.”

Faith as the Theme

Trust is the focus – and not just because Guéhi is the son of a church minister and deeply Christian. England face Wales in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday night before going to Riga to face Latvia in their next World Cup qualifier next Tuesday and Tuchel has shaped it all with his player choices.

It was, quite, the most stunning show of support in the players from the last camp, those who had gone to Serbia and sparked Tuchel’s reign. Each of the 24 who are available have been retained – so not Tino Livramento or Noni Madueke, who have long-term issues. Or Reece James, who was forced to pull out on Monday because of a more minor one.

The Manager’s Decisions and Squad Unity

His choice to omit the returned Jude Bellingham has led the conversation – to the point that the omission of Phil Foden, who is likewise back to fitness, has been made as a bit of a footnote.

What must not be overlooked – and what Tuchel does not want ignored – is how he has supported Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was a late call-up in September to cover for the hurt Adam Wharton, despite Loftus-Cheek having surrendered his place in Milan’s Serie A side. Or how he kept Jarell Quansah, who came in for the unavailable John Stones in September, although the latter now being fit and in the squad. However, Quansah himself was forced to exit on Wednesday because of a knock.

This is how a manager creates a performance-based culture, how he forges bonds. Tuchel loved the team supporting the team in Serbia, the unsung heroes on the bench, and he wanted to reward them. Bellingham or Loftus‑Cheek? Is it even a question? Tuchel has essentially turned it into one for this camp – and he believes in an positive in the message he has sent. Reputations will not influence him. Being a supportive colleague will.

Building a Brotherhood

Coinciding with perfect timing that Steven Gerrard spoke candidly in an interview with his former England teammate Rio Ferdinand on Tuesday, disclosing how egotistical and divided their much-hyped talented era team was. The ability was not in question; it was the atmosphere that held them back and Tuchel is set to get this right. He was speaking about a “brotherhood” within the squad before his initial match.

“There’s any tension between anybody,” Guéhi says. “We are, as we say when we’re here, the England squad. No matter has gone on in the before or what is occurring in the season, you put that aside. You come here, these become your best friends, your teammates, the guys that you battle with for however long you’re here.

“The environment is consistently positive when we’re here. The FA, previous managers and the players themselves, the backroom team, have done a fantastic job at fostering an spirit. Then again, it comes down to the individuals to truly embrace that. In my opinion every single person has bought into that brilliantly because I enjoy immensely coming here and I know the others of the players feel the same, too.”

Future Focus

That which Tuchel wants versus Wales is a performance that stirs the Wembley fans. Those against Albania and Latvia were solid enough; the victories positive, the first steps on the road to the World Cup next summer. But they were not thrillers. Will the side build on the cut and thrust they showed in Serbia? The last thoughts go to Guéhi.

“For me, worrying is a natural human emotion,” he states about being benched against Albania. “But I was selected in that squad. It means that the boss has opted for me for this opportunity and if I’m starting or not I’ll always support the team.

“So personally, worrying can be a waste of time. You don’t have many days on this earth. I’d rather be excited and focused and help the people that I can – or help myself – by striving to be the best that I can be instead of worrying.”