England World Cup squad: Tuchel faces tough calls ahead of friday’s announcement

Thomas Tuchel faces several difficult decisions as he prepares to announce his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday.

England head to the 2026 World Cup as one of the favourites, with the tournament final scheduled for New Jersey on July 19. But before the campaign begins, Thomas Tuchel has some genuinely difficult calls to make — and not everyone will be happy.

The biggest talking point is defence. John Stones, one of Tuchel’s originally identified leadership trio alongside Harry Kane and Declan Rice, has managed just four Premier League starts this season through injury. A fully fit Stones walks into the team. But is he fit enough?

Then there’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Real Madrid man wasn’t even included in March’s internationals, with Tuchel previously suggesting Jarell Quansah was ahead of him. However, injuries to Reece James and Tino Livramento may yet force the coach’s hand.

Up front, the race to back up Harry Kane is fierce. Ollie Watkins has forced his way back into contention with 11 goals in 14 games, while the evergreen Danny Welbeck — 35 and last capped in 2018 — surprisingly made Tuchel’s extended 55-man list. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also impressed with 15 league goals for Leeds.

Perhaps the most intriguing battle is for the number 10 role. Tuchel stunned many by dropping Jude Bellingham last October, handing Morgan Rogers an extended run. Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are both anxious — Tuchel has already warned that Foden “is not guaranteed a spot on the plane.”

Those who make the cut receive a text. Those who don’t get a phone call from the manager himself — a conversation nobody wants to have.

The squad is announced Friday. The waiting, for many, is almost over.