Thomas Tuchel has not made the best impression on Nottingham Forest supporters since taking over as England head coach, and his handling of Morgan Gibbs-White has only added to the frustration. Gibbs-White has been a crucial player for Forest, consistently delivering strong performances in the Premier League. However, despite his form, Tuchel has managed to sideline him in three different ways—first by omitting him from the squad entirely, then by including him in the squad but leaving him out of the matchday selection, and finally by putting him on the bench but failing to give him any minutes in a comfortable win against Latvia.

For a player who has been knocking on the door of the England setup for a while now, it’s an incredibly frustrating situation. While every manager has their own preferences and tactical vision, many feel that Gibbs-White at least deserved a chance to prove himself on the pitch, especially in a game where England had already secured qualification. Instead, Tuchel’s treatment of him feels like a deliberate snub rather than a justified footballing decision.

Naturally, much of the attention has been on Gibbs-White, but he is not the only Nottingham Forest player who has an interesting past with Tuchel. Callum Hudson-Odoi, once considered one of England’s brightest young talents, also has history with the new England boss from their time together at Chelsea.

Tuchel and Hudson-Odoi: A Complicated Relationship

Hudson-Odoi’s time at Chelsea was turbulent, and much of that had to do with managerial instability. When Tuchel arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2021, he initially showed faith in Hudson-Odoi, but it quickly became apparent that the winger was not a core part of his plans. Tuchel was vocal about Hudson-Odoi’s attitude and application, and at times, his management of the player was quite harsh.

Perhaps the most infamous example came during a game against Southampton in February 2021. Hudson-Odoi was brought on as a substitute at halftime but was then taken off just 31 minutes later, with Tuchel publicly questioning his work rate and body language. It was a brutal decision that seemed to knock Hudson-Odoi’s confidence, and although he continued to feature under Tuchel, it was clear that he had fallen out of favor.

Tuchel also experimented with playing Hudson-Odoi as a wing-back, a role that did not suit him at all. For an attacking winger who thrives on taking players on and driving at defenses, being forced into a defensive role was frustrating. However, looking back, Hudson-Odoi admits that the experience helped him grow as a player.

Speaking to BBC Sport about his time under Tuchel, Hudson-Odoi reflected on the tactical decisions that often puzzled him:

“Like (when Tuchel had me) playing wing-back and I am like, why am I here? But it was to benefit the team and it benefits myself, helping me work on my defensive game.

“It’s good that we had that moment and we have talked about it. He is an amazing manager and he knows how to get the best out of players.

“If the possibility and chance (for England) comes – I will have to go there and prove myself all over again.

“I just control what I can control. It’s about enjoying my football once again, smiling and being positive.”

His words show a maturity that was perhaps lacking earlier in his career. Rather than holding a grudge against Tuchel, he has accepted that the experience helped him develop as a player. However, whether Tuchel sees things the same way remains to be seen.

The Revival of Callum Hudson-Odoi

After struggling for regular game time at Chelsea and enduring a difficult loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen, Hudson-Odoi’s move to Nottingham Forest has been exactly what he needed. Unlike at Chelsea, where he was constantly in and out of the squad, he is now playing regular football, which has helped him rediscover his form and confidence.

One of the biggest positives from his time at Forest has been his ability to stay fit. Injuries hampered his development at Chelsea, but at 24 years old, he now seems to be in the best physical shape of his career. This consistency has allowed him to deliver match-winning performances, and his stunning goal against Manchester City was a perfect example of what he can offer.

Forest signing Hudson-Odoi for just £3 million is already looking like one of the best bargains in recent memory. Given how the transfer market has inflated in recent years, it’s almost unbelievable that a player of his talent was available for such a low fee. If he continues on this trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Forest offer him a new contract to secure his long-term future at the club.

Can Hudson-Odoi Make it Back into the England Squad?

With Tuchel now in charge of England, Hudson-Odoi’s chances of an international recall are uncertain. On one hand, Tuchel knows him well and has worked with him before. If he truly believes that Hudson-Odoi has matured and improved, he could be willing to give him another chance.

On the other hand, if Tuchel still holds doubts about Hudson-Odoi’s consistency or attitude, he may continue to overlook him. England has a wealth of attacking talent, with players like Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, and Marcus Rashford all ahead in the pecking order. If Hudson-Odoi wants to break into the squad, he will need to continue performing at a high level week in and week out.

For now, the best thing he can do is keep his head down, stay focused, and continue proving himself on the pitch. If he maintains his current form, he will be impossible to ignore.

The Bigger Picture: Tuchel’s Relationship with Nottingham Forest

Tuchel’s handling of both Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi could shape how Nottingham Forest players and fans perceive him as England manager. The club has produced talented players who deserve recognition, and if Tuchel continues to snub them, it could create a rift between him and Forest supporters.

Gibbs-White, in particular, will feel hard done by. It’s one thing to be left out of the squad initially, but to be included and still not given a chance feels like a slap in the face. If Tuchel continues to overlook him, it may lead to further questions about his selection policy.

Hudson-Odoi, meanwhile, seems more relaxed about his situation. He’s focused on his club football, and if he keeps delivering for Forest, the England call-up should eventually come. Whether or not Tuchel is willing to give him a fair chance remains to be seen.

Conclusion

Tuchel’s arrival as England boss has not been smooth for Nottingham Forest players. His handling of Gibbs-White has left fans frustrated, and his past with Hudson-Odoi adds another layer of intrigue.

For Hudson-Odoi, his resurgence at Forest is proof that he still has plenty to offer. At just 24 years old, he still has time to fulfill the potential he showed as a teenager. If he keeps up his current form, he may force Tuchel’s hand.

As for Gibbs-White, his England snub will feel incredibly harsh, and it remains to be seen whether he will get another chance under Tuchel. If he continues to perform for Forest, the pressure will only grow on Tuchel to include him.

For now, both players need to focus on what they can control—delivering performances for Nottingham Forest. If they do that, England recognition should follow, whether under Tuchel or a future manager.

Do you think Tuchel will eventually give Hudson-Odoi and Gibbs-White a fair shot, or will their past history work against them?