Picking Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup

This week, Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad for the World Cup, with the tournament set to kick off in 24 days' time. 

There will be plenty of players sweating on whether they've made the cut or not, and there'll be huge excitement to see if the German will add any late surprises to the 26-man party. 

Ahead of the announcement, DAZN News has tried to second-guess the England boss and pick the squad we think he may pick for the festivities in North America. 

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Goalkeepers

• Jordan Pickford
• Dean Henderson
• James Trafford

Few slots will automatically pick themselves as easily as this, with all three names likely to be locks for the squad if they are fit heading into next summer.

Everton shotstopper Jordan Pickford came of age in the Gareth Southgate era and is arguably the most consistent goalkeeper England have ever had.

He remains undisputed at number one, with Crystal Palace's Dean Henderson now seemingly established as his de-facto able back up between the posts.

Third spot can often reward an up-and-comer, which means Manchester City's James Trafford feels in the box seat to pip Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.

Missing out: Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale

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Defenders

• Reece James
• Marc Guehi
• John Stones
• Ezri Konsa
• Dan Burn
• Nico O'Reilly
• Tino Livramento
• Lewis Hall 

Injuries, as always, will play a part in the makeup of a likely back four for the Three Lions, but there seems little doubt over who will hold at right-back.

Reece James has rewarded the faith of ex-Chelsea boss Tuchel since overhauling Burnley's Kyle Walker, while Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn't seem to be anywhere near the manager's plans. 

If he can continue to dodge injury issues, the Blues man seems a lock - unlike his opposite position, where there's a fascinating battle lining up on the left flank.

Myles Lewis-Skelly appeared primed a year ago, but his lack of minutes has had him out in the cold, and a late run in Arsenal's midfield may not be enough. 

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In the middle, it seems inconceivable that a fit John Stones would not start as the senior man, but his centre-back partner options offer different strings to the bow. 

Crystal Palace man Marc Guehi may have the edge, but Newcastle United's Dan Burn and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa have both been reliable servants under Tuchel too.

An injury could open the door for Trevoh Chalobah, Jarrell Quansah or even Harry Maguire, who made a return to the fold earlier this uear. 

Burn's team-mate Tino Livramento and Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Djed Spence meanwhile offer cover on both sides, while Lewis Hall is also in contention. 

Missing out: Jarrell Quansah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis Hall, Harry Maguire, Trevoh Chalobah, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Djed Spence 

Midfielders

• Declan Rice
• Elliott Anderson
• Jordan Henderson
• Morgan Rogers
• Jude Bellingham
• Adam Wharton 

Four years ago, England arguably possessed their most balanced midfield for generations, built around Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips.

The latter's slide from Leeds United hero to Manchester City cast-off, however has left the Three Lions stumbling for answers for Rice's latest partner in crime. 

They appear to have now finally found them - and yet Tuchel's desire to craft expert balance could well leave his biggest star in the cold.

Jude Bellingham has struggled to impress under the German since his arrival, but is clearly too talented to be left off the plane entirely.

The Real Madrid man faces a serious challenge to his slot in the number ten role, however, with Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers impressing.

Behind them, Nottingham Forest man Elliott Anderson has finally found the answers left behind by Phillips to partner Rice in the anchor role.

It allows both men to interchange at the base of the squad, but they may face some competition from Kobbie Manioo, who rejoined the squad in March. 

Crystal Palace dynamo Adam Wharton was a bolter inclusion for Euro 2024, and has only improved since then, and the choice could be between him and James Garner, who impressed in the last two friendlies. 

Jordan Henderson's decision to move to the Middle East earned him plenty of ire and seemingly cost him his international career at one point.

But he has found his calm head at Brentford once again, and Tuchel values his leadership, causing issues for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher's hopes.

Alex Scott face uphill battles to impart themselves, but keep an eye out for Morgan Gibbs-White, whose form just at the right time and could sneak into the final squad. 

Missing out: Morgan Gibbs-White, Conor Gallagher, James Garner, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Kobbie Mainoo, Alex Scott 

Attackers

• Harry Kane
• Ollie Watkins 
• Marcus Rashford
• Anthony Gordon
• Bukayo Saka
• Noni Madueke
• Ebere Eze
• Phil Foden
• Cole Palmer

With a ridiculous embarrassment of top-class riches to call upon, England have the attacking talent that could finally end sixty years of hurt.

But as Gareth Southgate found out at Euro 2024, the risk of overloading all his creative stars into a lineup can result in fractured opportunities.

At the very least, there is little doubt about who will lead the line off the plane, with captain Harry Kane front and centre in North America.

Tuchel has spoken about not needing a de-facto backup for the Bayern Munich man, but it seems fanciful one won't go, with Ollie Watkins the likely favourite for the spot, despite missing the last camp.

The Aston Villa man's dream goal at Euro 2024 helped secure his stock and now back in form, it feels as though he'll still be preferred to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Especially with Ivan Toney's Saudi Pro League status likely hurts his chances, while the clamour for Danny Welbeck to be included has somewhat died down. 

Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

In the wide areas, you can take your pick. Arsenal's Bukayo Saka likely has the right-winger spot locked down if fit, with team-mate Noni Madueke close behind him.

On the left, a battle between Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford, Newcastle's Anthony Gordon and Gunners star Ebere Ezi appears the likely destination.

That's not even counting Manchester City's Phil Foden and Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who will go as forwards, but both haven't had their best seasons this campaign. 

Spare a thought for Jarrod Bowen, however. A member of the Euro 2024 squad, his form has dipped slightly - and it likely leaves him back home in Blighty.

Missing out: Jarrod Bowen, Ivan Toney, Danny Welbeck, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Harvey Barnes 

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