Tuchel’s England squad signals bold choices ahead of World Cup qualifiers
It’s been less than a year since Tuchel replaced Gareth Southgate following England’s agonising Euro 2024 defeat to Spain. The German has already stamped his authority on the national side, bringing a harder edge and a demand for accountability that some insiders say was missing in the past.
Tuchel has spoken often about wanting to “finish the job” that eluded England for decades — winning a major international trophy. His selection this month underlines that pursuit.
Familiar names, fresh momentum
The backbone of the team remains unchanged: captain Harry Kane, midfield general Declan Rice, and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford continue to form the spine. But Tuchel has again blended youth with experience, signalling that the next generation will get its chance.
Pickford keeps his place between the posts, as expected, after an outstanding run with Everton. Dean Henderson’s strong start at Crystal Palace earns him a return, while Nick Pope reclaims a spot after edging out James Trafford.
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Goalkeepers
- Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
- Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
Defence: A quiet revolution
At the back, Tuchel’s approach is evolving. Harry Maguire remains absent, with the manager instead putting faith in younger, more mobile defenders. Marc Guehi and John Stones have become the natural pairing, while Newcastle’s Dan Burn continues to impress with his versatility.
Tottenham’s Djed Spence keeps his place after making history as England’s first openly Muslim player, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah returns in place of the injured Tino Livramento. Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly, however, misses out due to limited club minutes.
Defenders
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- Dan Burn (Newcastle United)
- Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
- Reece James (Chelsea)
- Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
- John Stones (Manchester City)
- Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City)
Midfield: Balance and boldness
Tuchel’s midfield has a different flavour this time. Declan Rice remains the heartbeat, but Jude Bellingham’s return from injury will lift the team’s creative potential. The Real Madrid star has looked sharp since his comeback and should add drive and dynamism.
Jordan Henderson’s inclusion — now at Brentford — is perhaps the most debated. His experience still carries weight with Tuchel, who values leadership in a young dressing room. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers keeps his place after strong Premier League form, while Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, and Elliot Anderson represent the next wave of midfield talent.
And then there’s Phil Foden — back in the squad after dazzling for Manchester City in Europe.
Midfielders
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- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Jordan Henderson (Brentford)
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
- Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
- Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
- Alex Scott (Bournemouth)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Attack: Kane leads, Rashford returns
Up front, captain Harry Kane once again leads the line. His form for Bayern Munich remains lethal, making him untouchable in the squad hierarchy.
Marcus Rashford’s recall is a welcome boost — the forward looks rejuvenated on loan at Barcelona — while Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze adds flair and unpredictability. Bukayo Saka replaces the injured Noni Madueke, with Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon both retaining their spots after consistent starts to the season.
Forwards
- Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
- Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan)
- Phil Foden (Manchester City)
The tough calls
Tuchel isn’t afraid of difficult decisions, and several big names have paid the price for poor form. Ollie Watkins and Trent Alexander-Arnold are both left out, while Ben White, Kyle Walker, and Jack Grealish also miss the cut.
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Grealish’s exclusion is particularly harsh given his strong loan spell at Everton, where he’s registered four assists in nine league games. Tuchel has hinted, though, that the door isn’t closed.
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, once regular fixtures, now seem to have drifted completely out of the picture — symbolic of England’s changing guard.
Setting the tone
Tuchel’s latest squad is more than just a list of names — it’s a statement of intent. He’s building a team based on adaptability, fitness, and mentality rather than reputation.
The road to the 2026 World Cup will demand evolution, and if this selection is any indication, Tuchel’s England will be younger, hungrier, and a little less predictable.
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As one FA insider told Sky Sports: “He’s not just picking a squad — he’s shaping a culture.”
Sources: BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian, Reuters
