Who will Thomas Tuchel include in England’s 2026 World Cup squad?

Here we go – six more months, and one more international break left until Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions fly to the World Cup.

At this stage, most international outfits will be fairly secure with who is going to make up the bulk of their squads. However, as ever with England things don’t seem so clear cut.

Tuchel has revealed that he aims to form a squad with clearly defined roles, with two high quality professionals for each position on the pitch, plus three more ‘utility’ players to help finish off the squad.

Tuchel recently let slip that he would be leaving out a “big name” as he once again reiterates the need for a well-balanced cohesive team over individuals.

So, who will Tuchel opt for in his 26-man squad?

Goalkeepers

There shouldn’t be too many surprises in this department unless there is a major injury. It is the consensus that Everton number one Jordan Pickford will be taking the number one spot. To make up the other two goalkeeper positions it is almost guaranteed to be Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson and Manchester City deputy James Trafford.

Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale will be the potential backups if needed or if they can play their way into the squad. Pope, specifically, has had a stellar start to the season with five clean sheets for Newcastle United just two behind Arsenal’s David Raya on seven.

The full-back positions are where things get more interesting and there are some big decisions to be made

Defenders

As was the case in the previous tournament, Marc Guehi and John Stones look set to be definitive inclusions with both centre-backs having played a pivotal role in our Euro 2024 run.

Nonetheless, Stones’ injury problems in the latter stages of his career may prove to be problematic as we near the summer. As a result, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa will be battling his way for a starting position in Tuchel’s side, though his recent stints at full-back could yet secure him a place in that position.

Dan Burn seems the other shoe-in for a place on the plane with his dominant performances for Newcastle continuing despite a slow start to the Premier League for the Magpies.

Jarell Quansah will seemingly be battling it out against previous starting centre-back Harry Maguire for one of the final spots. The Liverpool Academy graduate has had a great start to life in the Bundesliga having locked down the Right Centre-back position under Hjulmand, having even added two goals to his name!

The full-back positions are where things get more interesting and there are some big decisions to be made.

The big question seems to be: will Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold be on the plane next summer?

Despite being coveted as one of the best full-backs in this generation, his start in Madrid has been far from extraordinary.

He has only managed to start two games in La Liga this season but his ability to create Beckham-like moments of magic from the right-hand side, may guarantee him a place.

The fact that his competition in Reece James and Tino Livramento are both highly injury prone may be the tipping point in Tuchel’s decision.

Young starlet Myles Lewis-Skelly has featured in both of Tuchel’s squads so far, but he has been told that he needs to play first-team football for Arsenal if he wants to be included.

Djed Spence has started the last two games for England at left-back. With Lewis Hall being called up for the U-21 Squad it seems that Spence will be the left-back of choice for Tuchel as we head into the summer.

Explosive Manchester City talent Nico O’Reilly recently had his first call up for England and his versatility may prove useful in securing him a spot in the squad.

Some argue balance should take precedence whereas others believe world class players all need to be fielded

Midfielders

The midfield balance seems to be the nexus of all of England’s problems, with the lack of balance seeming to echo our past woes with Scholes, Lampard, Gerrard and Beckham. Some argue balance should take precedent whereas others believe the world-class players need to all be fielded.

The main talking point seems to be whether Jude Bellingham should be selected for England as it has been implied that his inclusion may disrupt the harmony of the squad.

However, Bellingham and Declan Rice, alongside a more natural number 6 in the form of Adam Wharton or Elliot Anderson may prove to strike the best balance between ability and defensive structure.

The next question is whether Phil Foden will be included in one of the midfield areas after an uncharacteristically poor season last year. His 7 goals and 4 assists this season coupled with him looking bright in possession will probably restore his place in the squad.

Bukayo Saka, as always, will be one of the first names on the team sheet

Forwards

Harry Kane will lead the line if he is fit, with Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins likely to be his number 2. Watkins has been nothing short of poor this season, having only registered 1 goal in 10 games in the Premier League.

Perhaps, Tuchel will opt for Marcus Rashford as his backup striker. This would allow him to select an extra winger on the left in the form of Jack Grealish to partner Anthony Gordon.

Bukayo Saka as always will be one of the first names on the team sheet with Palmer and potentially Rashford offering support from the bench.

Nonetheless, Danny Welbeck cannot be left unnoticed having scored more goals than any other England player so far this campaign with 6. The ex-Manchester United veteran is having his best-ever start to a Premier League season and he has showcased this against the bigger clubs too having notched a brace against Newcastle United and his former side Manchester United respectively.