FootyChatter.com

Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham and Burnley's James Trafford are rumoured to be potential England call-ups for new boss Thomas Tuchel England boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly open to calling up Championship players for international duty as he takes charge for the first time during their World Cup qualifying matches. England face Albania on 21 March at Wembley, before welcoming Latvia three days later. It is understood the German has already been keeping an eye on a couple of second-tier stars - but are there more in the ranks who deserve a shot at representing their country? Here is a look at some of the players who might make the cut. .. Trafford was part of the matchday squad for five of England's games last year but has yet to make his senior debut The Burnley goalkeeper has been exceptional this season so it would be no surprise if he is called up by Tuchel. The 19-times capped England Under-21 international already received a promotion to the senior squad in 2024 after Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale withdrew. This season the 22-year-old has kept an incredible 19 clean sheets for the Clarets in 28 Championship games, with Burnley only conceding nine goals in total. As for 2025. .. Trafford is yet to pick the ball out of his net. Jobe Bellingham is the younger brother of England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Sunderland's teenage sensation Jobe Bellingham is the other name on Tuchel's list. The 19-year-old has been undroppable this season, having played every minute in 25 of his 26 appearances for the side - only a red card against QPR ruining his unblemished pitch time. The younger Bellingham brings a physical presence onto the pitch and adds versatility to the squad, having being rotated in each of the midfield positions as well as covering as a centre forward for Sunderland last season. Doughty has top-flight experience, having made 37 appearances for Luton Town in last season's Premier League campaign It is no secret that England do not have a set left-back - but Luton Town's Alfie Doughty could be one to fill that hole. Manchester United's Luke Shaw is likely to be Tuchel's first choice for the position but the 29-year-old has been plagued with injuries. It leaves Newcastle's Lewis Hall as the only other player from England's past squads playing regular football, with Chelsea's Ben Chilwell out of favour with boss Enzo Maresca. "If Tuchel does insist on playing as a back three, Alfie is one of the quickest I've seen and is a natural left-sided left-back, " Colchester forward Lyle Taylor told the 72+ podcast. Rigg made history as the youngest player to appear for Sunderland at 15 It will be a tough task for Sunderland's Chris Rigg to break into the squad this time around, but he is definitely one to keep an eye on for the future. Like Jobe Bellingham, Rigg is a regular feature for the Black Cats and has drawn praise for his dynamic and aggressive play. At just 17, he is not quite the fully developed package, but he has already shown what a leader he can be, captaining England Under-16s as well as wearing the armband for the Under-17s' Euros quarter-final against Italy. Burrows was named League One's player of the season last year while playing for Peterborough Sheffield United's Harrison Burrows has a wicked left foot and the magic he creates with it has helped the Blades in their hunt for promotion this season. The left-back is a strong passer, which may work well with Tuchel's desire to maintain high volumes of possession, and leans more towards attack than defence which would allow England's new boss to use him in a more creative role. Beadle first joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan in January 2024 before re-signing this season In the absence of James Trafford, James Beadle became the number one pick for England's under-21s and has been impressing while on loan at Sheffield Wednesday from Brighton. It is likely that only injuries would create a chance for 20-year-old Beadle to receive a call-up in March, but Trafford's ascension last year shows age is no barrier. Egan-Riley has represented both England and Republic of Ireland at youth level Defender CJ Egan-Riley is a regular starter for Burnley - a side that has conceded just nine goals in their 29 Championship games. The 22-year-old is clearly doing something right and, given that part of what makes England centre-backs Harry Maguire and John Stones tick is their synergy with one another, any inclusion now may be beneficial for the future. Fellows broke into England's under-21 team last year and scored his first international goal on his second appearance The days of players occupying their stronger sides might have gone out of fashion, but right-footed Tom Fellows thrives on the right-hand side for West Bromwich Albion, providing 10 assists this season. The 21-year-old's passing and crossing ability will appeal to Tuchel. "I love watching him, " former Reading and Jamaica midfielder Jobi Mc Anuff said on the 72+ podcast. "You kind of know what he's going to - the little step over with the left, puts it onto his right and picks a lovely ball out over to that back post. " Tickle kept a clean sheet during his first and only cap for England Under-21s against Luxembourg The Championship is not the only place to seek out young talent - especially if you are looking for first pick goalkeepers. Wigan's Sam Tickle has played every League One match for the Latics this season, keeping 11 clean sheets out of his 27 games. "Tickle has been absolutely magnificent at Wigan. I loved his decision to stay there and play games, " Mc Anuff said of the 22-year-old. "Playing football regularly at a young age is so important for development. " Cirkin grew up in London and has multiple international caps for England's youth teams Dublin-born Dennis Cirkin is another left-back who could benefit from a lack of options in that position for Tuchel. He is the favoured choice for Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, who uses width to get past opponents - a similar tactic to the one Tuchel employed while at Chelsea with Reece James and Ben Chilwell. Cirkin would also provide plenty of pace for the German's high-pressing style of play. Have we missed anyone? Let us know in the comments section. Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Controversy as India beat England to clinch T20 series Duran completes £71m Saudi move from Aston Villa 'The prince who never became king' - Neymar returns to Santos Reggae’s first and greatest superstar, Bob Marley Bob Marley's first steps into the music industry, from a rural village to the yards of Kingston Can a fashion entrepreneur bag a Dragon? Also in the den, a canine swimming club owner hopes the Dragons don’t think he’s barking mad Tanni Grey-Thompson reflects on her astonishing career From a Paralympic gold medal winner to a campaigner and crossbench peer Chris Packham unravels the world's most bizarre events Discover the secrets behind the bird-killing death ray and the monkey that's learnt first aid 'The prince who never became king' - Neymar returns to Santos Why have teams fallen short in Six Nations three-peat bid? 'He is a world-class assassin' - Shearer meets Isak Six Nations predictions: Champions, top try-scorer & Lions bolters The night the Super Bowl lights went out in New Orleans Busting myths about causes of Spurs' injury crisis The Smith conundrum that hangs over England Paperbacks & media trainer part of Azim rise to top The 'rugby student' stepping up to lead Ireland Rate every WSL club's January transfer window Remarkable tale of Czar of Hearts Vladimir Romanov How Rangers and Europa League seem made for each other Beckham, Aguero, Formula E and celebrity influence on sport Scotland's Russell on Netflix, near misses & family Five ways a new format has transformed the Champions League How does the Six Nations scoring work? Video How does the Six Nations scoring work? Who is through in Champions League and what's next? Six players to watch out for in the Six Nations How Mbappe & Bellingham sparked Real Madrid's resurgence Why are Australia so much better than England? Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.