Who will be in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup Squad? We take a look at some of the players in contention for next summers’ Finals.
England’s new era under Thomas Tuchel is generating excitement, uncertainty and fierce competition across every position. For the first time in years, the England squad feels wide open. With Tuchel introducing a more structured, possession-based and tactically demanding system, every player must now fight to prove they can execute his approach at international level.
The upcoming World Cup will be defined by Tuchel’s ability to find balance:
Below is a comprehensive 2,500+ word deep dive into every positional group, featuring fully expanded Pros & Cons for every player, detailed tactical context, and the clearest picture yet of who is realistically competing for a place in Tuchel’s first World Cup squad.
Goalkeepers in Tuchel’s system must be calm in possession, comfortable with high defensive lines and brave when sweeping outside the box. England’s goalkeeper debate is now more open than it has been in a decade.
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Pickford remains the frontrunner due to his England pedigree, but Tuchel’s emphasis on build-up play from the back makes this a closer contest than ever before. It would take an injury to discount the Everton keeper from being England’s first choice number one next summer.
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Ramsdale fits Tuchel’s philosophy but needs consistent club minutes to climb the depth chart. That is an issue with Ramsdale backing up Nick Pope at Newcastle United. Until Ramsdale can gain regular first team football, his chances at national team level will likely be limited.
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Tuchel will monitor his development closely — Trafford is under the microscope this season after losing his place in the Man City team to Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, a loan move to a high-profile Premier League team in January could see Trafford get the minutes to force his way into Tuchel’s plans for the summer.
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Pope’s quality is unquestionable, but stylistically he must convince Tuchel he can adapt. He is in the Newcastle first team at present ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, which likely means he is a popular option as the Number 3 keeper in a 23-man squad, most likely in contention with James Trafford.
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The ex-Manchester United keeper’s career seemed to have stalled a couple of years ago, but he has been brilliant for Crystal Palace over the last couple of years, earning man of the match awards in Palace’s FA Cup Final win over Manchester City last season. He is clearly England’s second-choice keeper behind Pickford.
This group is stacked with world-class talent, emerging stars and versatile defenders. Tuchel’s preference for inverted roles and high-technical full-backs makes this a fascinating battle.
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Walker was once a regular for England, but a summer move from Manchester City to Burnley has pushed him right down the pecking order. With his pace still prevalent, and his experience key, he could be brought in for those qualities alone, but it does appear Tuchel has moved on from the defender.
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Tuchel values leadership — Trippier offers that in spades. However, the Newcastle defender has struggled with injuries and a loss of form at times over the last twelve months and it appears Tuchel is looking at younger options at the right back position.
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Trent is perhaps the most fascinating question in Tuchel’s squad. In terms of ability, he would be in the squad as one of the first picks. Technically, he is by far the most talented of England’s full-backs in an attacking sense. However, a lack of form and fitness has stymied his new adventure at Real Madrid and Tuchel has not selected him in several recent squads.
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If fit, he is England’s best natural right full-back in terms of being a dangerous attacker and very strong defender. He can operate further forward, has excellent stamina and is a decent set-piece taker. However, James lengthy list of injury issues make his participation in the summer entirely dependent on his fitness levels.
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One of the most versatile defenders in consideration for England once again, but White has struggled for game time at Arsenal this season and until he features regularly in the Gunners’ first team, it is hard to see his England chances being enhanced.
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Future England regular — timing may decide his World Cup fate. Livramento has impressed on the couple of occasions he has featured for England in recent times and if he can get fit and find some form for Newcastle United, he will be a real option for both full back roles.
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Tuchel will certainly like him — his system thrives on players like Lewis and he has selected the Man City youngster previously. However, a lack of game time at his club hurts Lewis’ chances of reaching the squad, as does the depth of options available to Tuchel at right full back.
Historically thin, but Tuchel’s versatility-based selection approach gives more players a shot. Livramento, Trippier and White could also play left back alongside their inclusion in the right back section.
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Shaw seems to have fallen out of favour with Tuchel, probably due to his injury record. A real talent when fit, but that lack of regular fitness and the time it takes him to recover means that he may well be near the foot of list of left back options.
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A valuable attacking LB when fit and in form and he has experience of playing for England. However, his form has tailed off in recent years and his lack of game time at Chelsea has seen him move to Strasbourg to try and regain form and fitness.
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Excellent defensive LB — fit for certain tactical approaches. However, his experience at the highest level is limited and he is not as strong an attacking option as other players competing for the left back role.
(Midfielder also capable at LB)
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A future superstar — who has shown his ability to play both full-back roles at club and country level. However, he has fallen out of favour at Arsenal at present and badly needs to get back in the team to enhance his chances. If he can do that, he should be on the plane.
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Spence probably wasn’t amongst the main options for left back this time last year, but a good campaign for Tottenham has seen him become a key man for Spurs and he has earned a call up to the squad and played for the England team. At present, he may be vying with Nico O’Reilly for the position in the team.
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A long-term project who may appeal to Tuchel’s system. He played both games in the recent World Cup qualifiers and acquitted himself very well. His size and versatility may make him a surprise choice for the squad next summer ahead of more experienced options.
This group now includes a blend of world-class starters, Premier League standouts and rising prospects.
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England’s defensive cornerstone for many years. The Manchester City star needs to avoid injury and have a good season at the heart of City’s back line to ensure that he not only makes the squad, but is a starter in the team.
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A near-certain squad pick, Guehi has been rock solid for Crystal Palace for several seasons now and has become arguably Stones’ first choice partner in defence for England. His club future at Crystal Palace may be a distraction and he needs to stay injury free. It would be a huge surprise if he is not one of the first names on the squad list next summer.
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A horses-for-courses defender. Dunk does what he does well very well and backs that up with fantastic spirit and determination. Technically, he is not the most gifted player, but his time at Brighton has seen him develop into a fine and reliable defender.
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A high-upside rotational CB who has become a star for Milan in his time in Italy. However, while making, England squads under Tuchel he hasn’t really established himself as a viable option at centre back just yet.
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The big Newcastle man has established himself as a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s recent England Squads and occasionally in the team at left back or centre back. His height and ability at set pieces make him a potentially huge asset.
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A strong candidate for Tuchel’s preferred defensive system. Konsa seems to have been picked for all of Tuchel’s most recent key games, either at right back or at centre half and he has acquitted himself superbly well in both roles. A certainty for the squad barring injury.
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One of England’s most promising young defenders. Moved from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen for more game time, which will only benefit his chances. Made his debut in the win over Albania and is very much a potential candidate if he can continue his development in Germany.
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A dark horse who may benefit from Tuchel’s trust. The player worked under Tuchel at Chelsea and has plenty of England U21 experience. However, he does seem to be a back-up choice for the England manager at present.
This group features Declan Rice, Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Jordan Henderson, creating a compelling mix of youth and experience.
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The safest starter in England’s midfield. Rice has become one of the first names on the England teamsheet and one of the best holding midfielders in the world. A certain pick for Tuchel barring injury.
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A future England midfield anchor, or so it seemed under Lee Carsley. Mainoo fell out of favour last season at Manchester United and has struggled for game time this season at Old Trafford. Until that changes, Mainoo will likely not be a consideration for Tuchel for the squad.
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Tuchel may use him sparingly as a player but understands his value as a member of the squad and as a player who can come on and impact the game. Despite criticism from some pundits Henderson has been a key player in recent Tuchel squads and should be on the plane this summer.
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The former Chelsea midfielder has struggled to get into the first team at Atletico Madrid this season and this has impacted his chances in the England squad, especially with some other players emerging.
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A possible breakthrough candidate who Tuchel clearly likes and has started all of England’s last four games. The Nottingham Forest midfielder is viewed as an ideal partner for Declan Rice in that holding midfield role.
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Wharton may become a long-term England controller in midfield. The Crystal Palace midfielder has proven himself to be a quality operator and offers a viable option to either Rice or Anderson at the heart of the England midfield.
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Part of the victorious England U21 squad at the Euros last summer. Scott has continued his improvement in form at Bournemouth earning a place in Tuchel’s latest England squad. Still an outside bet for a midfield spot in the summer though.
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One of the top midfielders in world football, Bellingham will certainly be on the plane next summer. However, his position in the team is no longer a formality with a number of potential options available to Tuchel.
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Tuchel must unlock his best position to bring the best out of Phil Foden for England. The Man City midfielder has found his form again this year and Tuchel has already said he sees him as a centrally-based player, not a wide man. He’ll be on the plane but could be vying to start in a false-nine role.
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A genuine Tuchel-style midfielder — if fit. Jones impressed for England in a number of games early in qualification but has lost his place in the Liverpool team and also been injured. He needs to get back into the team to get back into Tuchel’s plans.
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A breakout contender for the squad after standing in superbly when Jude Bellingham was injured. Did enough to retain his place when Bellingham was back fit and now seems to be Tuchel’s first choice in the advanced midfield role.
With Bowen, Rashford, Gordon and Eze added to the likes of Grealish, Saka and Palmer, competition is fierce in the wide positions.
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First-choice right winger who has consistently produced for club and country. Saka is certain to be on the plane next summer, unless he is injured.
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After moving on loan to Everton, Grealish has found some excellent form for the Blues in a wide attacking role. However, he has yet to impress Tuchel enough to earn a recall to the squad.
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Palmer’s ceiling is extremely high and if fit, he will certainly be on the plane this summer. His injury problems this season with Chelsea have limited his impact at the club, but on his day he is a game changer and Tuchel will want him as an option.
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A regular in Tuchel’s squads, but not as a starter for England. The West Ham wingers ability to come on and score goals from wider areas, as well as his attitude and determination make him a likely option next summer.
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Needs a strong year to nail down his spot but has started this season superbly on loan at Barcelona after a torrid last 18 months at Man Utd. Also able to play as a central striker, as well as a winger and his goal threat cannot be overlooked.
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Gordon fits Tuchel’s intensity demands perfectly. The Newcastle winger has outstanding work rate and superb pace that can worry any team. He is a little injury prone and needs to improve his goal output but he has plenty of upside.
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Eze’s move from Crystal Palace to Arsenal has seen him become a key man for the Gunners and also become England’s second-top goalscorer behind Harry Kane in World Cup qualifying. It would be a surprise if he is not on the plane next summer.
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Guaranteed starter and captain. Has scored more goals for England than any other player and has been in sensational club form too. First name on the team sheet for Tuchel.
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Strong backup option. Watkins proved his value with a wonderful goal in the Euro 2024 semi-final win over the Netherlands and while he may not be as prolific for England as Kane, he is clearly the best back up option.
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Has performed well in Saudi Arabia since leaving Brentford, but Tuchel seems unimpressed. May need to move back to England to force his way back into the German’s plans for the summer.
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Outside chance but still in the frame. Needs to have a big impact for Spurs when he comes back from injury and works his way into the team.
These players must start to deliver the goods for their club teams for the remainder of the season to make themselves a real option for Tuchel’s England World Cup squad:
• Trent Alexander-Arnold – trust vs risk, needs game time at Real Madrid.
• Curtis Jones – fitness and consistency – needs game time at Liverpool.
• Cole Palmer – must regain fitness and have impact for Chelsea
• Miles Lewis-Skelly – huge potential, out of favour at Arsenal
• James Trafford – development must stabilise and needs first team action on loan from City.
• Marcus Rashford – needs to maintain his excellent form.
• Nico O’Reilly – continue his excellent early season form for City and England.
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Thomas Tuchel faces an unprecedented squad-selection challenge. England have more depth, more diversity in profiles, and more emerging young talent than ever before. But this also means more difficult decisions:
The next few months will determine England’s World Cup destiny. Tuchel must blend experience with youth, leadership with athleticism, and creativity with defensive discipline.
England’s ceiling has never been higher — but choosing correctly will decide everything.
Who would you pick for your England squad next summer?
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