SQUAD TRACKER ANALYSIS: Mainoo edges Garner as Tuchel’s midfield picture becomes clearer
05.05.26, 08:00 Updated 05.05.26, 08:09 3 Minute Read
Phil Martin
As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection is being finalised. With only a few games to play in the Premier League and Europe and a handful of places still genuinely open to debate, performance, fitness and momentum are now carrying more weight than reputation. This week’s analysis focuses on three key areas where those margins are tightest: the final midfield slot, right‑back and centre‑back cover.
The most significant head‑to‑head is between Kobbie Mainoo and James Garner for what increasingly appears to be the final midfield place.
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Phil Martin Author, journalist and veteran of eight major tournaments, and England top capper, with a background in sports writing, editing and publishing.