Three Major England Decisions Facing Thomas Tuchel Ahead of Latest Squad Announcement
England will play Uruguay and Japan at Wembley in the last international break before Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the World Cup. With less than 100 days to go until England's opening game against Croatia, time is running out for players to make their case for inclusion. This will be Tuchel's final opportunity to work with his group before selecting the World Cup squad towards the end of the season, marking a pivotal moment in their preparations. Here are three crucial areas for Tuchel to decide as he prepares to announce his latest squad for the upcoming friendlies.
Forwards: The Puzzle Behind Harry Kane
Harry Kane will arrive at the World Cup as the world's best No. 9, but determining who supports him is Tuchel's biggest challenge. During England's eight-game qualifying campaign, 11 different players occupied the wide or attacking midfield positions, yet only one featured in every match: Morgan Rogers. He excelled while speculation around Jude Bellingham, whom many assumed Rogers was replacing, intensified during autumn. Regardless of his fluctuating form at Aston Villa, the England No. 10 role is currently his to lose. Bellingham's hamstring injury remains a concern, though he is nearing a return at Real Madrid, while Cole Palmer has struggled to reach top form during a difficult campaign at Chelsea.
Phil Foden seemed a certainty when he was in peak condition for Manchester City in mid-winter, but he now appears slightly off his brilliant best. Conversely, Eberechi Eze is flourishing at Arsenal and was the only player aside from Kane to score more than once in qualifying. Club-mate Bukayo Saka is another obvious inclusion, while Noni Madueke should be considered as an impact player. Marcus Rashford was the next most used in qualifying after Rogers but has not contributed as much at Barcelona since late January. He may need to demonstrate more to secure a spot, a challenge given Barcelona's depth. Newcastle's season, which hit a low at Camp Nou, has been below expectations, yet Anthony Gordon has bolstered his claims for a place.
Jarrod Bowen has often carried West Ham through a tough campaign, while Morgan Gibbs-White, who made two substitute appearances in qualifying, appears the most likely to miss the squad entirely.
Centre Midfield: The Battle for Spots
Since starting the Euro 2024 final, Kobbie Mainoo has played just one game for England, the 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Lee Carsley's first match in charge. Thomas Tuchel has previously stated that the Manchester United midfielder possesses "the experience, the power, the quality, the talent" to be part of his squad but lacked sufficient playing time for selection. "Free Kobbie Mainoo" was a message displayed to Ruben Amorim before the Portuguese's departure. However, Michael Carrick's arrival at Old Trafford has revitalized Mainoo, with nine consecutive starts and impressive performances offering Tuchel a glimpse of what the 20-year-old could bring to a World Cup squad.
Elliot Anderson is the leading candidate to partner Declan Rice in midfield, leaving space for perhaps just one alternative outside of other established players. Tuchel has regularly selected the experienced Jordan Henderson and favors Adam Wharton. Curtis Jones has received opportunities under Tuchel but was omitted from the last squad in November; his versatility might aid his cause amid a sudden availability crisis at right-back. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is unavailable due to a broken jaw, while Conor Gallagher's January move to Tottenham has not improved his recall chances. Alex Scott was a surprise first-time call-up in November but did not earn his first cap. Could there be room for in-form players like James Garner or Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Everton?
Right Back: A Position of Concern
It often seems that misfortune strikes at the worst times. Just days after Kyle Walker announced his international retirement, England's first-choice right-back suffered a hamstring injury. Any second thoughts, Kyle? Reece James, a key player under Tuchel, will miss the upcoming squad announcement. This is not James's first injury; in fact, over the last seven seasons, he has experienced 23 different injury-related absences.
Therefore, whether James recovers or not, it is essential that Tuchel devises a backup plan for the summer. With Kieran Trippier long retired, the March friendlies provide an ideal trial for a new face, and Newcastle's Tino Livramento looks the favorite to step in, despite recently returning from a two-month hamstring issue. His assuredness and solidity make him a reliable deputy, assuming he is not needed at left-back.
Other options are available, though. Trent Alexander-Arnold has played only 26 minutes under Tuchel but appears to be peaking at the right time, impressing in recent weeks at Real Madrid. Surely the former Liverpool player, with his exceptional passing ability, deserves a call-up? Alternative candidates come with caveats: Djed Spence has played under Tuchel but has been deployed at left-back for Tottenham during their poor run in 2026. Jarrell Quansah and Ezri Konsa, both natural centre-backs, have filled in at right-back without looking out of place; their versatility should earn them squad spots.
Outside bets include Liverpool's Joe Gomez, who has 15 caps, and Curtis Jones, with the midfielder having covered right-back at times this season. And what about the forgotten man, Arsenal's Ben White?
