England’s dramatic World Cup exit has prompted calls for Thomas Tuchel to remove four players from his squad before the next major tournament.

The Three Lions appeared to be heading for Sunday’s final after Anthony Gordon gave them the lead against Argentina. However, late goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez condemned England to a 2-1 semi-final defeat, as reported by Sky Sports.

England must now prepare for Saturday’s third-place play-off against France before attention turns towards Euro 2028.

Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn, Trevoh Chalobah and Ivan Toney are the four players who should not be retained for the next cycle, according to an opinion piece by GiveMeSport writer Calum Ritchie.

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Henderson approaching the end

Henderson is the most obvious candidate to leave the international stage.

The Brentford midfielder is already 36 and will be 38 when Euro 2028 begins. His experience and leadership helped him earn a place in Tuchel’s World Cup squad, but his contribution on the pitch was minimal.

A freak injury suffered after England’s victory over Mexico restricted Henderson to a six-minute appearance in the 2-0 group-stage win against Panama. He did not play again during the tournament.

Ritchie argued that Henderson’s selection was difficult to justify beyond his role as an experienced and vocal presence in the dressing room. With Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton among the younger midfielders available, England have several options to replace him.

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Burn faces battle against time

Dan Burn’s international career could also be nearing its conclusion.

The Newcastle defender has earned 11 England caps but was used sparingly at the World Cup, making brief appearances against Mexico and Norway before coming on during the semi-final defeat.

Burn will turn 36 shortly before Euro 2028. His age does not automatically rule him out, but England are likely to prioritise younger defenders during the next two years.

His height, physical strength and ability to play at left-back or centre-back remain useful, although those qualities may not be enough to preserve his place through another qualifying campaign.

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Chalobah vulnerable despite his age

Chalobah’s inclusion is more debatable because the Chelsea defender is only 27.

He was added to England’s World Cup squad after an injury forced Tino Livramento to withdraw, as confirmed by the Football Association.

Unlike Henderson and Burn, Chalobah should still be in his prime at Euro 2028. However, intense competition at centre-back could limit his opportunities.

Levi Colwill is expected to return to contention, while Marc Guéhi, John Stones and several younger defenders will also compete for selection. Chalobah’s England career may therefore depend more on form and playing time than age.

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Toney pushed towards the exit

Ivan Toney is the final player named as a potential casualty.

The Al-Ahli striker was selected because of his physical presence, penalty-taking record and ability to provide a different option in attack. Yet Harry Kane remained Tuchel’s clear first choice throughout the tournament, leaving Toney with few opportunities.

Toney will be 32 by Euro 2028 and is playing outside Europe’s leading leagues. Neither factor necessarily ends his international prospects, but England may decide to develop a younger alternative to Kane.

Ollie Watkins remains another experienced option, while new contenders could emerge during the next two Premier League seasons.

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Tuchel faces major rebuild

England’s squad is likely to change before Euro 2028, but the scale of that overhaul remains uncertain.

Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold were all omitted from the World Cup squad and will attempt to force their way back into Tuchel’s plans. Their technical ability could become particularly important after England’s passive conclusion against Argentina.

Henderson appears closest to a natural international farewell, while Burn and Toney face difficult battles to remain involved. Chalobah, however, still has time to prove that writing off his England career would be premature.