There was outcry in the English media. In its bid to end its decades-long wait for a trophy, England’s national team had turned to a German.

Of the squad Tuchel initially named last week, only Cole Palmer is missing, with the playmaker having picked up a minor injury ahead of Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal last weekend. Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White was the beneficiary, earning a late call-up in Palmer’s place.

Thomas Tuchel was appointed England manager in October, started the job in January and on Friday will finally take charge of the national team for the first time. The German was hired with a view to winning the World Cup in 2026 and his first match marks the beginning of qualifying for that competition, with Albania visiting Wembley.