Thomas Tuchel faces a series of tricky selection calls as he finalises England’s World Cup squad, many of them in defence where injuries and fitness doubts have complicated his choices.
John Stones would normally be an automatic pick. Tuchel even identified Stones, Harry Kane and Declan Rice early in his tenure as central figures in his leadership group and kept in regular contact with the trio. A fully fit Stones would be a nailed-on starter, but the 31-year-old has started only four Premier League games this season, leaving uncertainty over his form and fitness.
Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa look likely to travel to North America, while Harry Maguire’s recall in March has boosted his prospects. Jarell Quansah’s versatility – able to cover multiple positions – could work in his favour. Trevoh Chalobah and Fikayo Tomori were part of the March friendlies squad but still face an uphill battle to claim one of the limited centre-back slots. Levi Colwill, returning from a long-term cruciate ligament injury, made Tuchel’s extended 55-man list but is unlikely to make the final 26.
The right-back position is another headache. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s place looks far from secure: he was omitted from the March internationals despite a large squad selection, and Tuchel has previously suggested Quansah was ahead of him in the pecking order. Reece James is expected to start the tournament when fit but has had an injury-affected season. Tino Livramento has been sidelined since mid-April with a thigh problem, and Ben White remains out while recovering from a serious knee injury — circumstances that could open the door for Alexander-Arnold, especially given England’s expectation of holding possession in the group against Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Djed Spence, who has played under Tuchel, is another option.
At left-back and wider defensive cover, Luke Shaw’s return to form gives Tuchel useful options. Young full-back Nico O’Reilly, outstanding for Manchester City, looks likely to be included, while Dan Burn and Lewis Hall are also hoping to be selected.
Up front, Harry Kane will travel as captain and England’s first-choice striker. The battle to be his backup is intense and Tuchel has reportedly considered taking three centre-forward options. Ollie Watkins has forced his way back into contention with 11 goals in 14 for Aston Villa. Ivan Toney, despite a lengthy absence from international football and a move to Saudi Arabia, still harbours hopes of selection; his penalty-taking ability is another potential selling point. There is also public pressure to include Danny Welbeck after a strong season for Brighton. Two other forwards who featured in the March friendlies, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, remain in the mix, though one of the forwards who travelled in March is doubt due to a muscle problem. Calvert-Lewin continues to score regularly for his club, adding to his claims.
A persistent theme of Tuchel’s early England reign has been the search for a reliable number 10. He surprised many last October by leaving Jude Bellingham out as he carried a niggling injury, opting for continuity. Morgan Rogers kept his place as a creative option after starting five of the eight World Cup qualifiers. Tuchel has emphasised a team-first approach rather than building around a single star.
That collective mindset leaves other attacking creators nervous. Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are obvious candidates but are waiting to learn if they will be called up. Palmer has had limited minutes under Tuchel, having missed much of the qualifying campaign through injury. Foden started both March friendlies but failed to impress and, as Tuchel acknowledged after the internationals, is not guaranteed a spot on the plane.
In short, Tuchel must balance experience and leadership with form, fitness and versatility. Injuries at full-back, rotation among centre-backs and a crowded forward pool mean the manager will have to make some tough omissions before England’s World Cup squad is confirmed.
