England’s meeting with Japan may have only served to reaffirm Thomas Tuchel's thinking for the summer. Phil Foden again struggled to impose himself in the way he so often does for Manchester City. Dan Burn’s leadership qualities are key for Tuchel and see him move into our predicted squad ahead of Harry Maguire.
James Garner and Ben White are two players who strengthened their chances in the March camp. Despite his under-par display against Japan, Cole Palmer’s lively cameo against Uruguay is surely enough to secure a role as a number ten option from the bench, alongside Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze.
England must also assess the injuries to Eze and Noni Madueke, who left Wembley in a knee brace after the Uruguay game, but for now both remain in our predicted 26‑man squad.
As do Reece James and John Stones, who must prove their fitness. The England head coach has spoken of both in glowing terms. Maguire remains an intriguing name, popular with England fans and media, but Tuchel's somewhat bizarre comments on Trevor Chalobah have cast doubt over his inclusion this summer.
How it works
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Thomas Tuchel's squad selection process is well under way and here is where you can find what we at The Sixty Six feel is his most likely 26-man squad for the summer.
With form and fitness shifting throughout the run‑in, we chart who has strengthened their claim, who is under pressure and who may yet force their way into Tuchel’s plans.
Updated after each set of games at international, domestic and European level, the Squad Tracker is your way to follow what promises to be an intriguing selection process.
Tuchel's selection process
Each of the 48 nations heading to the US, Canada and Mexico must first submit a provisional 35–55‑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 will likely name a 55‑man list. From that group, Tuchel must select his final 26‑man squad by 30 May 2026, the deadline for all participating nations. All 26 must come from the provisional list unless FIFA grants a rare exception.
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, with potentially one training goalkeeper added, 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 looks like Trafford is ahead of Aaron Ramsdale for the third goalkeeping spot. Trafford's cup form for Manchester City, particularly in the League Cup Final, puts him ahead of Ramsdale, who has a lot to do in the final weeks of the season. His performance against Uruguay was solid, but the Premier League and FA Cup run-in, will be key for both keepers.
With Pickford locked as Tuchel's number one and Henderson his most immediate challenger, the third spot now looks increasingly like Trafford over Ramsdale. 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.
Hall’s consistency for Newcastle, combined with England’s shortage at left‑back due to Luke Shaw’s ongoing injury troubles, leaves a clear opening. His energy, balance on the ball and aggressive defensive instincts will appeal to Tuchel. Given the circumstances and his form, Hall looks a near‑certainty for the squad after his performances in March.
He impressed when called upon by Tuchel last autumn, notably in the 5-0 win in Belgrade. His form since returning from two major injuries has accelerated his claim, and he fits England’s system. A recent knock has been managed carefully and is not expected to threaten his World Cup chances; he impressed in the two March games at Wembley.
While not his natural position, Tuchel has used O'Reilly effectively at left‑back, and he can provide reliable cover there given the lack of natural left-sided options. He is also a very good option in midfield as an eight or a second six. He showed that versatility in the League Cup Final, a trait that carries real value at tournament level and makes him an important, flexible squad pick. A good end to the season could be crucial.
James goes if fit because, quite simply, he is Tuchel's man. He knows his capabilities from their Champions League win together and views him as England's number one right‑back. His versatility and ability on the ball suits Tuchel’s system perfectly. The latest hamstring issue is expected to sideline him for weeks but not rule him out of the World Cup.
Even with his fitness constantly questioned, it is almost impossible to leave him behind given what he does with the ball. His experience, composure and ability to build play offers something completely different. He can also step into midfield and provide an option in certain games. If fit, he remains a certain pick for Tuchel given his recent comments.
It feels like a straight shoot‑out between Dan Burn and Harry Maguire for the fourth centre‑back place. While both offer similar defensive qualities, Tuchel appears to value Burn’s leadership, though Maguire offers the same. His previous tournament experience make him very difficult to overlook, and his performance against Uruguay was a timely reminder of his ability on the international stage. It looks like Burn is the likely pick at this stage.
Had a decent March camp, impressing Tuchel in both games and in training. Tuchel believes the Arsenal defender deserves a second chance and offers valuable versatility at right‑back and centre‑back, strengthening England’s tactical flexibility. The England boss has repeatedly stressed it is a fresh start and he is not concerned with past issues surrounding White’s 2022 World Cup departure.
It is hard to ignore the tournament experience of John Stones and Newcastle United defender Dan Burn remains a strong candidate. Burn and Harry Maguire were used as set-piece threats late on against Japan. Maguire needs a strong finish to the season to push his case, and the next few weeks will be crucial for him. His place may depend on Stones and his fitness. Neither Djed Spence nor Fikayo Tomori appeared to boost their prospects against Uruguay. Trevor Chalobah remains a contender but will need to prove his fitness before the season ends. Whether Luke Shaw can overcome injury issues and play his way back in is unlikely; while the door looks firmly shut on Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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.
His outstanding autumn form for club and country has propelled him to the front of the queue, and if fit, he starts as England’s ten. That is some achievement given the depth competing for that role. He has played more minutes this season than any other player heading into the March friendlies, underlining his value to 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 authority in the role has grown quickly, and the number six position is his heading into the summer.
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 behind. A generational talent and proven matchwinner in the biggest moments for England and Real Madrid, he brings power, creativity and world-class quality. He is certain to impact the tournament in key moments, as he did in Germany two summers ago.
A solid first game and cameo for England in the two March games. Energetic and lively, he reads the game well, breaks up play and uses the ball cleanly. His set‑piece delivery adds another useful dimension and his ability to play as a six or a more advanced midfielder gives options to Thomas Tuchel.
At the moment, it feels like the six names above are competing for what are essentially two positions in the team. James Garner has had an excellent season at the heart of Everton's European charge, and could be a surprise inclusion the World Cup squad. Kobbie Mainoo has a lot to do after a stop-start season with Manchester United. Likewise, Adam Wharton needs to finish the season strongly with Crystal Palace to push his way in.
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. Tuchel’s only concern will be ankle niggle picked up during international break in March.
He is almost as nailed on as Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Declan Rice. One of those elite‑level England stars who is not only guaranteed a place in the squad but is certain to start. His ability to run at defenders will suit Tuchel and Kane in his tendency to drop into the half‑spaces.
Tuchel has long admired Gordon, having tried to sign him during his Chelsea days. He has been excellent for England, consistently carrying a threat on the left, and his emergence as a viable option as a number nine at Newcastle this season adds another dimension. With that versatility and form, he is certain to be on the plane.
Excellent off the bench against Uruguay and poor when starting against Japan, it’s more likely he will be used as an impact sub. He was woefully underused at the last Euros despite his impressive club form. A technician with guile, he offers something different to the explosive running power of Rogers and Bellingham, posing a threat in behind. Changed the game from the bench against Uruguay, with his dangerous delivery and direct running. With Tuchel selecting him as one of his three FIFA World Player of the Year picks, he surely makes the squad this summer.
Eze may still have work to do, but like Palmer, he is another technician. Elegant on the ball and able to unlock defences in a different way, he offers Tuchel another creative outlet and is effective as an option in the wide positions. With his form for Arsenal, he looks set to make the cut this summer if he proves his fitness following injury. Run-in will be crucial for his prospects.
While Gordon is the likely starter on the left, Rashford remains the backup option here and provides the attacking prowess Tuchel wants in the wide areas of the pitch to complement Kane. Another with solid tournament experience, he also offers a threat through the middle as cover for the England captain.
Bowen has been a regular for Thomas Tuchel, either starting or making cameos from the bench; he offers a solid work ethic in wide areas, and is also a goal threat. More often seen on the right, he can play on either flank, and brings directness as well as defensive discipline.
Like his club‑mate Bukayo Saka, Madueke has that desire to run at defenders and drive England forward. He impressed in the autumn games and is an ideal understudy for both club and country. Offering that left‑footed threat by cutting in from the right, he gives Tuchel a natural like‑for‑like option for Saka and could gets the nod over Jarrod Bowen. Again another who needs to prove his fitness in order to be certain of his place.
Phil Foden looks like a high-profile casualty after disappointing performances against Uruguay and Japan. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke have a lot to do if they’re to be backup for Harry Kane. Danny Welbeck remains one to watch, as his stats make him the most potent English striker in the Premier League. Calvert-Lewin and Solanke’s lack of goal threat could also warrant Tuchel reconsidering Ollie Watkins as an option.
The changes
27 March James Garner in for Kobbie Mainoo Jarrod Bowen in for Phil Foden Dominic Solanke in for Dominic Calvert-Lewin
1 April Dan Burn in for Harry Maguire Ben White in for Dominic Solanke
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.
