Thomas Tuchel has reportedly included Danny Welbeck, Luke Shaw, and Jarrad Branthwaite in his provisional 55-man England squad for the World Cup. The list must be submitted to FIFA by Monday night, according to The Telegraph.
Welbeck, whose last England appearance was in 2018, has impressed for Brighton this season with 13 goals in 35 Premier League matches. Tuchel is seeking a backup to captain Harry Kane after Dominic Solanke was ruled out through injury, with Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney also under consideration.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler backed Welbeck's potential call-up in October, stating: 'I asked the squad if they think Danny Welbeck can play for England and they all agreed. I'm very convinced Danny Welbeck is able to play for England.'
Luke Shaw, who last played for England in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, has been a regular for Manchester United this season. Jarrad Branthwaite, with one cap from a friendly against Bosnia in June 2024, has struggled with a hamstring injury but has featured regularly for Everton when fit.
Tuchel will trim the squad to 26 players by May 22nd. England will play warm-up friendlies against New Zealand (6 June) and Costa Rica (10 June) before their World Cup campaign begins against Croatia on 17 June, followed by matches against Ghana (23 June) and Panama (27 June).
