Thomas Tuchel is expected to become England’s new manager.
The Three Lions are entering a new era, as Tuchel has been picked to coach England following Gareth Southgate’s exit. Tuchel arrived at St George’s Park as an elite manager, and he is familiar with several of England’s players.
Tuchel has previously worked with Reece James, Mason Mount, and Raheem Sterling at Chelsea, as well as Callum Hudson-Odoi from Nottingham Forest.
Hudson-Odoi has steadily improved at Nottingham Forest over the last 18 months, to the point where Tottenham were interested in signing him.
Hudson-Odoi’s international prospects may improve now that Tuchel is ready to take over as England manager, but the German has seen the winger play in a variety of positions. Thomas Tuchel viewed Callum Hudson-Odoi as a wing-back.
Tuchel discussed the possibility of Hudson-Odoi playing as a wing-back when at Chelsea.
Tuchel stated that Hudson-Odoi is capable of playing in that position on either side, which may be a role for him with England. “He is able to play as a right wing-back, left wing-back, he can play in these extra positions, he knows the group and we know him very well,” Tuchel informed the crowd. 
“For him personally it would maybe have been a very good opportunity but for us it was simply impossible.”
Tuchel admitted later in the season that it was sometimes unfair to play Hudson-Odoi as a wing-back. Was it always fair to allow him to play as a wing-back? No, perhaps not. He needed to take this for the team, and he did. He was usually optimistic. “He had the right attitude,” Tuchel stated.
‘He had a great pre-season, and we saw what he was capable of on the left side. He struggled at first to prove his point during matches, but with the injuries, he needed to show up and produce.
‘This is what he did to earn a spot on the team. It is all about performance, which is what he demonstrates.
Hudson-Odoi expressed admiration for Thomas Tuchel’s ability as a wing-back, but this cannot be stated in reverse.
Indeed, when speaking with The Athletic a few years back, Hudson-Odoi revealed that he does not enjoy playing in that position.
“At times, it was fine. But sometimes I wonder, “What am I doing, and why am I in this position?” “I’m more defensive than attacking.” Hudson-Odoi explained.
“No matter where I was playing, I was always striving to do my best for the team; it’s not always about me. I never argued; I simply got on with it.
“But in order to get the best out of yourself, you have to play where you can feel most comfortable and do what you can do best.”
Hudson-Odoi later said that he liked Tuchel as a manager.
“I would never disparage or say anything negative about him. He was always a decent person, both on and off the field. It was just that with so many talented players on the team, you had to battle for your position and work hard.
“It was certainly challenging at times with him, but you have to get on with it and do what you
can.”
Hudson-Odoi will be hoping to return to the England squad under Tuchel, and as much as he dislikes playing as a wing-back, he may have to swallow his pride here if he wants to earn international prominence.
England has a significant left-back problem, and the Nottingham Forest player could be the solution in a wing-back role under Tuchel. After all, Ashley Cole had praised Hudson-Odoi highly.
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