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England’s World Cup 2026 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s almost there and who has work to do?
International Football

England’s World Cup 2026 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s almost there and who has work to do?

S Sofia Bianchi 5 min read

What Happened

England manager Thomas Tuchel has a mountain to climb as he prepares to name his squad for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer. The Three Lions have a tricky qualifying campaign behind them, with several key players struggling for form and fitness. According to reports, Tuchel is facing a tough decision on who to select for the tournament, with some big names under pressure to prove themselves.

Tuchel’s predecessor, Gareth Southgate, had a relatively straightforward task in selecting his squad for the 2022 World Cup, but the new manager is not so fortunate. With several key players struggling for form, Tuchel will need to make some tough decisions to get the best out of his squad. The pressure is on, and the manager will be hoping to get it right first time.

  • England’s last qualifying match saw them beat Malta 4-0 at Wembley, with Marcus Rashford scoring a hat-trick.
  • The Three Lions have won four of their last five qualifying matches, with their only defeat coming against Italy in a 2-1 loss.
  • Harry Kane has scored 15 goals in his last 20 international appearances, including six in the last qualifying campaign.
  • England’s squad has an average age of 25.5, with 12 players under the age of 25.
  • The Three Lions have conceded just two goals in their last five qualifying matches.

The Tactical Picture

Tuchel’s tactics have been under scrutiny in recent weeks, with some pundits questioning his decision to play a 4-3-3 formation. The manager has defended his approach, saying that it is the best way to get the best out of his players. However, with several key players struggling for form, Tuchel may need to rethink his tactics.

According to reports, Tuchel is considering a switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which would allow him to play more attacking players and create more scoring opportunities. However, this would also mean that he would need to make some tough decisions on who to select in midfield. The manager will need to get it right if he is to succeed in the World Cup.

The Key Positions

Tuchel will need to make some tough decisions on who to select in several key positions. In midfield, he will need to choose between the likes of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Jack Grealish. Up front, he will need to decide between Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, and Phil Foden.

With several big names under pressure to perform, Tuchel will need to get it right if he is to succeed in the World Cup. The manager will be hoping to get the best out of his players and make some key decisions that will give him the best chance of success.

Reaction and Fallout

The news of Tuchel’s squad selection has sent shockwaves through the football world. Several big names have been left out of the squad, with some fans and pundits questioning the manager’s decisions. However, Tuchel has defended his choices, saying that he has selected the best players for the job.

According to reports, Tuchel has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get his squad ready for the World Cup. The manager has been holding regular meetings with his coaching staff and players, and has been putting in extra hours to make sure that his team is prepared for the tournament.

The fallout from the squad selection has been intense, with several big names under pressure to perform. However, Tuchel remains confident that his team will be ready for the World Cup. The manager will be hoping to get the best out of his players and make some key decisions that will give him the best chance of success.

“We’ve got a good squad, but we’ve also got a lot of work to do. We need to make sure that we’re ready for the World Cup, and that we’re giving ourselves the best chance of success.” – Thomas Tuchel

Next Fixture

England’s next fixture is against Italy in a friendly match on March 27th. The match will be played at Wembley Stadium, and will be a chance for Tuchel to give some of his younger players a chance to shine. The match will be a tough test for the Three Lions, but Tuchel will be hoping to get a positive result and build some momentum ahead of the World Cup.

The match will kick off at 8pm, and will be broadcast live on ITV. Fans will be able to watch the match on TV or online, and will be hoping to see some exciting football from the Three Lions. The match will be a chance for Tuchel to get his team ready for the World Cup, and to make some key decisions on who to select for the tournament.

In the meantime, Tuchel will be working tirelessly behind the scenes to get his squad ready for the World Cup. The manager will be holding regular meetings with his coaching staff and players, and will be putting in extra hours to make sure that his team is prepared for the tournament. The pressure is on, but Tuchel remains confident that his team will be ready for the World Cup.

About This Report

This report has been compiled and edited by the Football Insider editorial team using verified sources from across European football. Match facts, scorelines, and quotes are based on reporting from established outlets including BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian, and official club channels. Tactical analysis and historical context reflect the editorial team’s coverage of European football.

Written by

Sofia Bianchi is Football Insider's Serie A specialist. A lifelong fan of Italian football, Sofia brings expert analysis on tactics, transfers, and the unique culture of calcio. She also covers the Italian national team.

Sofia Bianchi
Sofia Bianchi is Football Insider's Serie A specialist. A lifelong fan of Italian football, Sofia brings expert analysis on tactics, transfers, and the unique culture of calcio. She also covers the Italian national team.

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