NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel could be set to throw a lifeline to two Three Lions outcasts.
The incoming German manager will inherit one of the best squads in world football which boasts talent including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.
He will also link back up with skipper Harry Kane, who Tuchel signed for Bayern Munich.
But SunSport Online can reveal Tuchel might also be set to turn to a pair of stars who he is known to admire – Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling.
Tuchel signed former Tottenham defender Dier for Bayern and put him straight into the starting team.
Speaking about Dier, 30, when he was the Bavarians’ manager, Tuchel said: “I am very happy with him. He’s exceeded all expectations. He’s an extremely important piece of the puzzle.
“He’s organised, he’s vocal, we didn’t have that much. He helps the guy next to him, he’s a top character and a very good player. He’s being rewarded for his work at the moment.”
And Sterling was one of his favourite players when Tuchel was manager at Chelsea.
The 29-year-old winger has since moved on to Arsenal but Tuchel remains a huge admirer of his talents.
In fact, he was the first player signed by Tuchel after Todd Boehly became the Chelsea owner in 2022.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Explaining why at the time he said: “He was the absolute number one for that position. I gave his name to Todd Boehly straight away.
“He’s horrible to play against, horrible! The main point is his intensity and the amount of repetition of intensity that he delivers. This is simply outstanding over the last years.
“He caused huge trouble when he played against us and once you dig in deeper into his data and not only statistics in his goal involvements, it’s outstanding.
“It’s exactly what we need to raise the level of our players. That’s why we are so sure and that’s why he was, for us, top of the list.”
Forgotten England stars could benefit from Tuchel appointment
WITH Thomas Tuchel announced as the next England manager, a few forgotten stars might be hopeful of a return to the international set up.
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager usually uses a 3-4-3 formation.
That could provide an opening for Mason Mount, who’s not been involved in the England set-up since the World Cup in 2022.
The now Manchester United star enjoyed his most successful spell under Tuchel while the pair were at Stamford Bridge.
Tuchel could also offer lifelines to other previously capped players such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Eric Dier.
RLC has excelled since his move to AC Milan and with England struggling to find a partner for Rice, he could be the surprise answer.
Meanwhile, Dier played for Tuchel at Bayern Munich as part of a back-three last season.
The defender did enough to convince the club to make his loan move permanent after he had fallen out of favour at Tottenham.
Click here to see the full England XI who could play under Tuchel.
Inside FA's thrilling chase for Tuchel
THE FA’s path to securing Thomas Tuchel's signature was not a straightforward one.
They tried to lure Pep Guardiola from Manchester City over the summer.
They even made contact with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after deciding to target trophy-laden foreign gaffers.
The FA’s determination to go international was summed up by their decision NOT to interview Newcastle boss Eddie Howe.
Initial talks with Tuchel saw him express a slight interest in replacing Gareth Southgate.
But he was waiting to see what would happen at Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag’s future under the spotlight.
Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe eventually decided to stick with Ten Hag – and that opened the door to the FA getting their man.
Read the full story on England’s thrilling pursuit of Thomas Tuchel.