Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad for the World Cup on Friday, and there is plenty of debate over which stars will and will not receive a call-up. The Three Lions boss will announce a squad of between 23 and 26 players to represent England in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Big Decisions Ahead
A provisional list of 55 players has already been submitted to FIFA, and Tuchel must whittle that down this week. The likes of Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice, and Marc Guehi are – barring injury – certain to get a phone call. However, Tuchel will have some difficult conversations over the next few days as he finalises his travelling squad.
We asked the Mirror Football team for their one surprise pick and one shock omission.
John Cross
Surprise pick: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Thomas Tuchel has 26 names to pick from. The England boss surely has to take three strikers: Harry Kane and the in-form Ollie Watkins, plus one other. Ivan Toney has a chance to be Tuchel's wildcard based on his goals in the Saudi Pro League, penalty shootout prowess, and tournament experience. However, I would go for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He has done well, finished the season strongly, is passionate about England, and is a penalty specialist.
Shock omission: Phil Foden
I love Phil Foden. He is one of English football's best young talents and went to the last Euros in 2024 as the darling of the England fans. But it is hard to justify him in the squad. He is just not playing enough. I think he is the big-name, heartbreaking omission because ordinarily I would have him in every day of the week.
Andy Dunn
Surprise pick: Ivan Toney
He made a crucial impact at a previous tournament and has scored 42 goals and produced 10 assists for his club this season. He is a consummate penalty taker, which is not something to undervalue at a World Cup where conditions might produce many drawn matches. When England's reliance on Harry Kane is a long-standing concern, it seems odd that Tuchel is not seriously considering this player. Even though his club is Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, Ivan Toney is surely worth taking a punt on as a wildcard selection. He made a telling – if brief – contribution at Euro 2024, assisting Jude Bellingham for the winner against Slovakia in the last 16 and scoring from the spot in the quarter-final shootout victory over Switzerland. Tuchel has only given him a few minutes toward the end of the friendly defeat to Senegal and has not been to Saudi to see him. But you know what you will get from Toney: goal threat and coolness in a shootout.
Shock omission: Harry Maguire
At the other end of the field, Harry Maguire has made a compelling case to go to the tournament and was recalled by Tuchel for the most recent friendlies. But Tuchel will need as much defensive mobility as he can possibly get, and the conditions might not suit the big Manchester United defender. It would be an unpopular decision, but Tuchel should prefer the likes of Trevor Chalobah or Fikayo Tomori to Maguire.
Jeremy Cross
Surprise pick: Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck would not be most people's choice to go to the World Cup. But there is no outstanding candidate to provide backup to captain Harry Kane up front, and Welbeck has been one of the leading English strikers in the Premier League for a couple of seasons now. His goals gave Brighton an outside chance of Champions League qualification, and his experience of being at major tournaments in the past could be invaluable to Thomas Tuchel.
Shock omission: Cole Palmer
Someone who should not be on the plane is Cole Palmer. England have a raft of attacking options, and Palmer's form does not warrant him being included in the final squad. He has personified Chelsea's woeful campaign this season. I think Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, and Anthony Gordon are all ahead of him in the pecking order.
Ben Husband
Surprise pick: Trent Alexander-Arnold
I do not think he will be included, but it remains baffling that England cannot find a place for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Tournaments are often won on moments of individual brilliance, and – for all of his faults – Alexander-Arnold is capable of them. Yes, he can sometimes be caught out defensively, but he is still one of the 25 best English footballers. Do not overthink it.
Shock omission: Cole Palmer
Despite it seeming impossible just a few months ago, I fear Cole Palmer may miss out this summer. After two years of constant football, he looks exhausted and in need of an extended break. Unfortunately, rivals in his position have just performed better than the Chelsea man in recent months. It is still a hugely controversial call, but I think a summer on the beach may be more beneficial in the long run.
Nathan Ridley
Surprise pick: Luke Shaw
It would not normally be a surprise to see a starting player for third-placed Manchester United in the England squad, but it feels as if eyebrows would be raised if Luke Shaw made the cut. That is probably because the 30-year-old has not played for England in nearly two years, with his last cap coming in the final of Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate. Having already appeared at two World Cups and two European Championships, Shaw has a wealth of experience in tournament football which can be utilised both on and off the pitch. That could prove to be especially important given that fellow left-backs Nico O'Reilly and Lewis Hall have not represented England at such a level. Shaw's injury woes are also behind him, having started all 37 of United's Premier League games this season. His well-taken goal to kickstart Sunday's 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest will do him no harm.
Shock omission: Cole Palmer
Let us be clear: Cole Palmer is absolutely worthy of a place in the England squad. But context matters. The Chelsea star has had an injury-hit season and, frankly, looks shattered. PFA chief executive Maheta Molango recently put it best by saying that while Palmer may be a millionaire, he does not have a third lung. Considering he would not be a starter in my team or even second choice in the No.10 role – see Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham – I would leave Palmer at home. A summer off before a fresh start under Xabi Alonso could be exactly what the playmaker needs. It is a harsh call and I am not forgetting that Palmer's brilliance gave England a fighting chance in the 2024 final, but this would be for the sake of his career.
