Callum Hudson-Odoi is targeting a return for England despite admitting to having “differences” with manager Thomas Tuchel while the pair were at Chelsea.
Cobham academy graduate Hudson-Odoi was coming through the ranks while the German managed the Blues between 2021 and 2022 but struggled to nail down a starting spot, often featuring out of position.
A major sticking point came when the winger was substituted off against Southampton in February having only come on as a substitute himself at half-time, with Tuchel telling journalists he was “not happy with his attitude, energy and counter-pressing”.
But four years on and Hudson-Odoi is now thriving for third-placed Nottingham Forest and the in-form forward now believes he is ready to add to the previous three caps he has won, the last of which came in November 2019.
Most Premier League goals scored from outside the box since the start of last season:
◎ 7 – Cole Palmer
◎ 7 – Callum Hudson-Odoi
◎ 7 – Bruno Fernandes
◎ 6 – Phil Foden
◎ 6 – Eberechi Eze pic.twitter.com/PK1KH2gPV6— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) March 26, 2025
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Forest forward said: “We had our differences at times and that is normal. Every player and coach has their differences. 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.”
Hudson Odoi was one of England’s most coveted youngsters after making his debut at 17 but struggled to live up to his promise in his early years. Now, he believes that experience is helping him finally thrive.
“I don’t want to prove anything to anybody,” he added. “It is about proving to myself that I can still be that player I was – to go back to a level where I knew I was going to score or assist – and be that confident where I know I am going to impact in every game.”
