With England’s World Cup squad announcement now less than 24 hours away, our exclusive Squad Tracker has shifted again - most notably Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are all set to miss out. Here’s how Thomas Tuchel’s most likely 26 looks heading into Friday’s big reveal.
With England’s World Cup squad announcement now less than 24 hours away, The Sixty Six Squad Tracker has taken another significant turn - with Harry Maguire confirmed to miss out on Thomas Tuchel’s final 26.
Jarrell Quansah and Ivan Toney are the surprise inclusions expected tomorrow, when Tuchel announces his squad to the world on Friday.
How it works
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Thomas Tuchel’s squad selection process is well under way and this is where you can find what we at The Sixty Six believe is his most likely 26-man squad for the summer.
With form, fitness and availability shifting throughout the run-in, we track who has strengthened their claim, who is under pressure and who may yet force their way into Tuchel’s plans.
Updated after each round of international, domestic and European fixtures, the Squad Tracker is your way to follow what promises to be a fascinating selection process.
Tuchel's selection process
Each of the 48 nations heading to the US, Canada and Mexico must first submit a provisional 35 to 55‑man long list in the weeks before the tournament, including at least four goalkeepers. This is the pool from which the final squad will be drawn.
England have already submitted their 55‑man list. From that group, Tuchel must select his final 26‑man squad and whilst they have until 30 May to finalise their squad, The FA have said the announcement will be made this Friday (22 May).
On matchdays, only 23 of the 26 can be selected, meaning three will miss out. That balance will influence Tuchel's squad composition. The importance of good trainers can't be ignored, as that 26-man group, potentially with an additional training goalkeeper, will give the England coach the ideal number for daily sessions.
Replacements are tightly controlled. Outfield players can be replaced up to 24 hours before England’s first match, but only if a serious injury is confirmed by FIFA’s medical team. Goalkeepers are treated differently; they can be replaced at any point during the tournament if an injury is verified.
The Squad Tracker: a first for this World Cup
The goalkeepers
He remains England’s number one. His shot‑stopping, distribution and command of key moments set him apart. Faultless in qualifying and in fine form for Everton, he consistently delivers for club and country, showing resilience and leadership. His experience in previous major tournaments makes him an essential presence in England’s squad.
Tuchel’s clear second-choice in goal. His form for Crystal Palace has been outstanding and a key player for them. He has sharp reflexes, is comfortable with his feet and is a calm decision‑maker. When called upon by England he has impressed, proving he would have no qualms stepping up on the biggest stage.
It increasingly looks as though James Trafford is ahead of Aaron Ramsdale in the battle for England’s third goalkeeping spot. Trafford’s performances for Manchester City in the domestic cups, capped by another composed display and clean sheet in the FA Cup Final, have strengthened his case considerably. Ramsdale remains in contention, but Trafford appears to have the momentum heading into Friday’s squad announcement.
With Pickford locked as Tuchel's number one and Henderson his most immediate challenger, the third spot now looks increasingly like Trafford. Brighton & Hove Albion's Jason Steele also comes into the equation. Tuchel has already said he is set to go as a fourth goalkeeper for training and ready to step into the squad in the event of injury.
Defenders
Has impressed from the outset for England. The shining light on a dismal night in Wolverhampton four years ago against Hungary, he has grown with every England camp. Looks the complete package at international level. His move to Manchester City and form under Pep Guardiola have elevated his game further, and will sharpen his ability on the ball. If his trajectory continues, he looks certain to be a star on the world stage this summer.
Konsa has formed a composed, athletic partnership with Marc Guehi and the two look a formidable duo. A consistent performer through the autumn qualifiers, he has looked increasingly assured in England’s shape and offers the blend of calm defending as well as a subtle balance to the backline.
Has impressed whenever called upon by Tuchel earlier in the season, while his athleticism and versatility are qualities the England coach values highly. A thigh injury means he is unlikely to play again for Newcastle this season, but the issue is not currently expected to threaten his World Cup chances.
While not his natural position, Tuchel has shown a willingness to use O’Reilly at left-back, where his athleticism and composure in possession offer England valuable cover given the lack of natural left-sided options. He is also a strong option in midfield, either as an eight or a deeper-lying six, and that versatility could prove particularly valuable at tournament level. His performances in the closing weeks of the season have only strengthened his case.
James goes because, quite simply, he is Tuchel’s man. The England coach knows his capabilities from their Champions League win together and views him as England’s best right-back. His versatility, quality in possession and tactical intelligence suit Tuchel’s system perfectly. The concern is not his ability, but whether his body can withstand the repeated demands of tournament football after another injury-hit season.
Dan Burn’s versatility, leadership and reliability have worked strongly in his favour heading into Friday’s announcement, with the Newcastle defender’s ability to operate both centrally and at left-back seemingly keeping him firmly in Tuchel’s World Cup thinking.
The Manchester City defender is one of England’s most trusted and influential tournament players, but his lack of football and repeated injury setbacks leave genuine uncertainty around whether he can be relied upon across a major summer competition.
Djed Spence offers England genuine pace, athleticism and direct attacking intent from wide areas, making him a different option at right‑back or left‑back. Capable of driving forward with the ball and stretching defences, which adds width and transition threat.
Jarrell Quansah’s inclusion speaks of a growing trust in his composure and defensive qualities over pure experience. Still early in his career, he offers calmness in possession, positional intelligence and the ability to step into midfield – traits increasingly valued at international level.
Harry Maguire drops out of our latest projected 26 - a call that would come as a major disappointment to many England and Manchester United fans given his long-standing service and reliability for his country. Levi Colwill, Luke Shaw and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the other high-profile absentees.
Midfielders
Now finally playing in his best role, he has the authority to use his athleticism and power that can be central to England’s chances. His ability to cover ground, win duels and drive the team forward, make him one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Rogers’ form for both club and country has propelled him firmly into Tuchel’s strongest XI conversation. His athleticism, directness and ability to carry the ball through midfield suit the England coach’s system well, while his huge workload this season underlines the trust placed in him by both Unai Emery and Tuchel.
He has looked a seasoned international from his very first minutes in an England shirt. Reliable throughout the qualifying campaign, he has brought control and discipline to the midfield that was missed at the Euros. His influence in the role has grown quickly, and he now appears firmly established as England’s first-choice number six ahead of the World Cup.
Henderson's influence should never be underestimated. Alongside Kane, he is Tuchel’s general in training and within the squad. Hugely respected, he remains a key voice in the group and a steadying influence on younger members. His experience, leadership and standards in camp are seen as vital this summer if England are to go the distance.
Even with his injury problems, he is impossible to leave out. A generational talent and proven matchwinner for both England and Real Madrid, Bellingham brings power, creativity and an ability to decide the biggest moments. England will expect him to shape this tournament just as he did in Germany two summers ago.
His recent performances for Manchester United under Michael Carrick have played a major role in pushing him back into the England conversation. Mainoo has shown an ability to play under pressure, maintain control in high-tempo games and handle elite opposition with growing authority. Comfortable receiving the ball in all areas, he protects space intelligently and plays with a composure that belies his age.
Eze offers something different to England’s other attacking options. Elegant on the ball and capable of unlocking defences in tight spaces, he gives Tuchel another genuine creative outlet across the front line. Being part of a title-chasing Arsenal side this season has also exposed him to the kind of pressure and expectation that comes with tournament football.
Shock omissions are expected with Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Morgan Gibbs-White all missing out, the latter can be considered unfortunate not to have been selected; but Foden and Palmer's club form has been indifferent at best, and those England fans calling on Tuchel to pick in-form players have got their wish, with the likes of Mainoo and .
Forwards
As England's captain and talisman, he is the first name on the team sheet and row one on the plane. Impeccable for his country, he will also benefit from playing his football in Germany this season, with a lower week-to-week intensity than the Premier League and the added bonus of a winter break. Kane gets better with age and looks set to peak this summer.
He is almost as nailed on as Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice. One of England’s most important players, Saka is certain to start if fit. His ability to run at defenders and attack the spaces created by Kane dropping deeper into midfield makes him a perfect fit for Tuchel’s system.
Tuchel has long admired Gordon, having tried to sign him during his Chelsea days. His pace, directness and intensity make him a strong fit for the England coach’s system, while his ability to operate through the middle as well as from the left adds valuable versatility. Barring injury, he looks certain to be on the plane.
While Gordon currently appears ahead of him on the left, Rashford’s pace and ability to attack space remain qualities Tuchel values highly. Another with strong tournament experience, he offers England a direct threat from wide areas and can also provide cover through the middle for Harry Kane.
For weeks we couldn't decide between Madueke and Jarrod Bowen, and it appears the Arsenal man has got the nod. Bowen's form has not been great for West Ham, and he goes into a huge game this weekend on the back of the disappointment of missing out this summer. Madueke, on the other hand, has seized his chance with his end-of-season form for champions Arsenal.
Watkins’ recent form for Aston Villa strengthened his position as England’s leading alternative to Harry Kane. Tuchel wants athleticism and penetration in the forward areas, qualities Watkins provides consistently, while his experience at both Premier League and international level gives him an advantage over England’s other central striking options. A good week for the Villa man, with a World Cup call-up and European silverware in the space of 72 hours.
Ivan Toney’s inclusion feels a shock at first glance, given his time away from the international spotlight, but it points to very specific tournament thinking. His physicality and athleticism offer a different profile up front, one suited to the demands of playing in heat, and his hold-up play offers another dimension. Just as important is his composure from the penalty spot – a quality England have learned to value the hard way. In tight knockout ties, that calmness under pressure can be as important as anything he offers in open play.
England’s attacking options still give Tuchel plenty to work with, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke did little to enhance their chances, but Danny Welbeck, as the Englishman with the most goals in the Premier League, can consider himself a little unfortunate not to be in the mix.
Chris Eldergill Former CNN International Sports Editor with extensive World Cup experience. Chris brings a broadcaster’s editorial discipline and the leadership of someone who has run news at major tournaments.
Phil Martin Author, journalist and veteran of eight major tournaments, and England top capper, with a background in sports writing, editing and publishing.
