Tuchel reveals how Prince William influenced his first England squad

by · Mail Online

Thomas Tuchel joked that Prince William was putting the squeeze on the new England boss to call up Aston Villa stars as he challenged Marcus Rashford not to fall back into old habits.

Rashford's return to the international fold from a 12-month exile was a headline of Tuchel's first squad, alongside a shock recall for Jordan Henderson and a maiden call for Dan Burn.

The German has met Prince William twice since becoming Gareth Southgate's permanent successor and insisted the pressure of his new job is a privilege.

'I met His Royal Highness once at a match and had another meeting at Windsor Castle,' Tuchel said. 'The way he speaks, the emotional way he supports Arsenal – not Arsenal, Aston Villa - and the national team, is so impressive. It was so nice to speak with him about football.

'He has strong opinions. He was pushing hard for the Aston Villa players, which was not needed because we admire them a lot.

'It means a lot and it is something special that comes with the role. It's a privilege and comes with a big responsibility.'

Prince William pushed for Aston Vila players to be in the England team, jokes Thomas Tuchel
William is an Aston Villa fan and is pictured meeting Morgan Rogers, who is in the squad
William gets to Aston Villa games when he can and 'impressed' Tuchel with his knowledge 
Marcus Rashford and Ezri Konsa (not pictured) are also in the new Three Lions squad

Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa have joined Rashford in the 26-man group for World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.

Tuchel has studied Rashford's output since leaving Manchester United on loan and indicated that the 27-year-old appears reborn under Unai Emery.

'I've felt Marcus had a huge impact on Villa, mostly from the bench,' Tuchel added. 'The impact was impressive, the physical impact was impressive and his work rate, his hard work and counter pressing and tracking back.

'I had a strong feeling that we should bring him in to push him to stay on that level and not fall back on old routines. This camp is to bond with him and to get to know him.

'Everyone who is with us on this journey is a contender. Every player is a part of the first step nut at the same time it's only the first step. A nomination is not a nomination for America and the World Cup. It's important to be in the first camp. You're there on the first step of the journey.'