Joey Barton, known for his outspoken nature, has raised concerns over the lack of representation from Nottingham Forest in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad. Despite some of Forest’s standout players having excellent seasons, none of them were included in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, which Tuchel announced on Friday.
Players like Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Elliot Anderson have all been playing well for Forest, with the team chasing a spot in the Champions League. These players, particularly Gibbs-White, might have expected to earn a call-up to the England squad based on their form. However, Forest fans were disappointed and vocal on social media, expressing their frustration over the trio’s exclusion. Barton, a former footballer and the ex-manager of Bristol Rovers, also weighed in on the debate. He questioned Tuchel’s selection decisions, pointing out the absence of other players like Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.
Barton made his thoughts known on social media, posting a critical message regarding the squad selection. He asked, “No Gibbs-White or Elliot Anderson? No Nwaneri? No Branthwaite? Four goalkeepers? And Jordan Henderson?” His comments stirred further discussion, especially when he contrasted the England squad’s choices with Spain’s willingness to call up young talent, such as teenager Lamine Yamal. Barton continued his criticism in a follow-up post, saying, “But we still pick (Jordan) Henderson and (Kyle) Walker, who’ve been great servants but, let’s be honest, their best days are behind them. What more can the Forest lads do?”
Barton’s remarks reflect a growing frustration among fans and pundits alike, as players like Gibbs-White and Anderson continue to impress in the Premier League. The duo, along with Hudson-Odoi, have been crucial to Forest’s strong form this season, and many felt that their performances deserved national recognition. In fact, Gibbs-White, who made his England debut under interim boss Lee Carsley last year, might have had even higher hopes for a call-up, given his strong performances for Forest.
Interestingly, Tuchel had recently observed Forest in action. The Germany manager was present at the City Ground just last week, attending Forest’s FA Cup victory over Ipswich Town. While it seemed that Tuchel had been keeping a close eye on Forest’s players, it was evident that he didn’t consider any of them worthy of a place in the national squad this time.
On the topic of Tuchel’s decision, Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo revealed that he had not personally spoken with the England manager about any of his players. He added, “No, not yet. If he wants, I am free,” referring to any future communication with Tuchel. The Portuguese coach suggested that national team managers typically watch players through observation games, so the England manager likely felt it was clear which players were performing well. He further added that Tuchel’s visit to the City Ground indicated he was paying attention to the potential in Forest’s squad. “If Thomas has been here, it’s because he is counting on our players,” Espirito Santo explained.
As the debate over Tuchel’s England squad rages on, the exclusion of Forest’s players has sparked a wider conversation about the England manager’s choices and the ongoing development of young talent in the Premier League. Many are left wondering if the next round of international call-ups will reflect the growing contributions of players like Gibbs-White, Anderson, and others from the Nottingham Forest side. Until then, Barton’s comments highlight an ongoing frustration with what some see as a lack of opportunity for deserving players.
