With Thomas Tuchel now confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s permanent replacement, England’s new manager is ready to make his mark. As the former Chelsea boss takes the helm, several England players face an uncertain future, eager to catch the German’s eye.
While some, like Conor Gallagher, have found new opportunities, having recently joined Atletico Madrid, other English stars are at a career crossroads. With the January transfer window fast approaching, here’s a look at three England internationals who might need a move to reignite their careers.
Harry Maguire – Manchester United
Over the summer, it seemed almost certain that Harry Maguire would finally leave Old Trafford. With Manchester United spending around £100 million on defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Maguire. However, an injury against Aston Villa and his absence from last summer’s European Championships delayed his departure.
Now 31 and slipping down Erik ten Hag’s pecking order, reports suggest United are prepared to offload Maguire for just £10 million—a significant loss from his original price tag—in an effort to free up space in the squad. Maguire needs to find a club where he can secure regular playing time.
Joe Gomez – Liverpool
Liverpool has been on the rise since Arne Slot took charge over the summer, but Joe Gomez has struggled for minutes. Although praised for his efforts in training, the 27-year-old has played only two minutes of Premier League football this season. Despite a surprise inclusion in Southgate’s EURO 24 squad, Gomez appears to be out of Slot’s plans.
With a contract until 2027 but little chance of breaking into the starting lineup, a January move could be on the cards. Both Aston Villa and Newcastle have shown interest in the versatile defender, who could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
Ben Chilwell – Chelsea
At Chelsea, the arrival of Enzo Maresca has brought excitement, but for Ben Chilwell, it’s been a nightmare. Frozen out of the first-team squad and training with the U21s, Chilwell was strongly encouraged to find a new club before the summer window closed. Despite being a former captain and a key player last season, he hasn’t made any of Maresca’s Premier League squads this term.
With his England prospects fading after being left out of the EURO 24 squad, Chilwell’s career is at a crossroads. Napoli is reportedly interested in offering him a lifeline when the transfer window reopens in January, providing a potential escape from his Stamford Bridge struggles.
These players face critical decisions in the coming months as they seek new opportunities to revive their international and club careers.
