Both Ipswich Town and Portsmouth FC supporters have been left stunned by an unexpected twist involving Thomas Tuchel’s England national team.
The two Championship clubs, who have followed remarkably similar paths this season, could hardly have predicted the player at the centre of the latest international headline — Dane Scarlett.
Ipswich Town’s Bumpy Return to the Championship
After a difficult Premier League campaign that ended in relegation, Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town returned to the Championship determined to fight their way back to the top flight.
However, the Tractor Boys endured a frustrating start, failing to win any of their opening four matches — a run that shocked many across the division. That early stumble hinted at a lingering hangover from their Premier League struggles, where they finished 16 points adrift of safety.
A turning point came with a 5–0 demolition of Sheffield United, which reignited confidence at Portman Road. That emphatic result sparked a resurgence, with Ipswich following it up with victories over Portsmouth FC and fierce rivals Norwich City.
The derby win was particularly satisfying, marking Ipswich’s first league triumph over Norwich in 16 years.
Now sitting on 13 points, McKenna’s side appears to have rediscovered its rhythm as it aims for another promotion push.
Portsmouth FC’s Consistent Start Under John Mousinho
Meanwhile, John Mousinho’s Portsmouth FC have produced a steady, balanced start to the 2025/26 Championship campaign. With 12 points from their opening nine games — three wins, three draws, and three defeats — Pompey have shown the same resilience that defined their rise from League One.
Last season, Fratton Park was one of the toughest places to visit, as Portsmouth claimed 40 of their 54 points at home. Yet this year, they’ve already lost twice on home soil, including one defeat to Ipswich Town.
Away form remains a challenge, echoing the struggles of previous seasons, but Mousinho’s side continues to grow and adapt to the demands of second-tier football.
Ipswich Edge Portsmouth in Early-Season Clash
When Ipswich and Portsmouth met earlier this season, it was the Suffolk side who edged the contest.
Goals from Jaden Philogene and George Hirst sealed a deserved win for Ipswich, underlining their improving form and Portsmouth’s need to sharpen up away from home.
Dane Scarlett’s England Training Role Stuns Ipswich and Portsmouth Fans
As domestic football paused for the October international break, attention turned to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad — and it brought a surprising development for both Ipswich and Portsmouth fans.
England trained at Tottenham Hotspur’s training ground ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Latvia, with Tuchel looking to refine his tactics and evaluate young talent.
Following Ollie Watkins’ injury, Tottenham striker Dane Scarlett was invited to join the training camp to help bolster numbers.
While Scarlett was not officially called up to the senior squad, his involvement in training came as a major surprise — especially to supporters of Ipswich and Portsmouth who witnessed his earlier struggles in their colours.
Scarlett’s Forgettable Spells at Ipswich Town and Portsmouth FC
The reaction from both fanbases is understandable, given Scarlett’s underwhelming spells at each club.
At Portsmouth (2022/23): Then in League One, Scarlett made a bright start, scoring three goals in his first four games. But after John Mousinho took charge, his opportunities diminished, and he managed just a handful of appearances afterwards.
At Ipswich Town (2023/24): His loan move to Portman Road was meant to reignite his career, but it didn’t go to plan. Scarlett failed to score in 12 matches and was recalled by Tottenham Hotspur midway through the season.
Given those struggles, few would have imagined Scarlett training alongside England internationals less than two years later.
Tottenham’s Faith Rewarded: Scarlett’s Impressive Comeback
To his credit, Dane Scarlett has worked hard to rebuild his career. After being recalled from a loan at Oxford United in early 2025, he made five senior appearances for Tottenham Hotspur, contributing a goal and an assist in Europa League action against Elfsborg.
Tottenham went on to win the competition, with Scarlett featuring in the squad, and he even registered an assist against Ipswich Town later that season.
These performances helped restore faith in his potential — and clearly caught the attention of Thomas Tuchel.
While his England training involvement might appear shocking to his former loan clubs, it reflects Scarlett’s growth and Tottenham’s renewed belief in the young striker’s abilities.
Shared Surprise, Different Perspectives
For both Ipswich Town and Portsmouth FC fans, Scarlett’s England cameo brings a mix of disbelief and curiosity.
The same player who once struggled to make an impact in the Championship is now training under Thomas Tuchel, one of Europe’s most respected managers.
Tuchel’s willingness to give chances to emerging English players could make Scarlett’s story one of redemption and revival — proof that football careers can change dramatically in a short space of time.
Both Ipswich and Portsmouth have started the 2025/26 Championship campaign in solid form, but it’s Scarlett’s shock England link that has united their supporters in surprise.
Whether this cameo leads to a future England call-up remains to be seen, but for two fanbases that once watched him falter, seeing him train with the Three Lions is a moment few would have predicted.
FAQs: Ipswich Town, Portsmouth FC and the Thomas Tuchel England Surprise
1. Why are Ipswich Town and Portsmouth fans surprised by Dane Scarlett’s England involvement?
Because Scarlett underperformed during loan spells at both clubs, struggling to score or hold down a regular place. His sudden link to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad was entirely unexpected.
2. Is Dane Scarlett officially part of the England squad?
No, Scarlett was only invited to train with the national team during the international break. He is not part of Tuchel’s official matchday squad.
3. How have Ipswich Town and Portsmouth performed this season?
Ipswich sit on 13 points after recovering from a slow start, while Portsmouth trails just behind on 12 points after a consistent, balanced opening to the campaign.
4. What has changed for Dane Scarlett at Tottenham Hotspur?
Scarlett has matured and improved, earning game time in the Europa League and contributing key goals and assists during Tottenham’s successful 2025 campaign.
5. Could Scarlett earn a full England call-up in the future?
If he continues developing under Tottenham’s setup and impresses Tuchel’s coaching staff, a future senior call-up isn’t out of the question — but he still has more to prove at club level first.
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