New England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his first 26-man squad as the Three Lions prepare for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley Stadium.
Tuchel’s appointment sparked controversy, and his squad selection has also raised major talking points, with shock omissions including Ollie Watkins, Conor Gallagher, and James Maddison.
England Squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers
- Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
- Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton)
- James Trafford (Burnley)
Back row f.l.: Kyle Walker, Jordan Pickford, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Serbia and England at Arena AufSchalke on June 16, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Edith Geuppert – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Key Talking Points:
🔹 Four goalkeepers selected – Tuchel’s decision to name four keepers has raised eyebrows, with Nick Pope missing out.
🔹 Pickford remains No.1, while Henderson and Trafford impress.
Defenders
- Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
- Reece James (Chelsea)
- Kyle Walker (Man City)
- Levi Colwill (Chelsea)
- Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
- Dan Burn (Newcastle)
- Tino Livramento (Newcastle)
- Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)
Key Talking Points:
✅ Versatile defenders favored – Many picks can play multiple roles, including Burn, Konsa, Livramento, and Colwill.
✅ Guehi, James, and Walker lead the defense in the absence of John Stones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Luke Shaw.
🚫 Surprise exclusions – Jarrad Branthwaite, Rico Lewis, Fikayo Tomori, and Tyrick Mitchell all miss out.
Midfielders
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- Jordan Henderson (Al Ettifaq)
- Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
- Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
- Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Key Talking Points:
✅ Bellingham, Rice, and Palmer are England’s midfield core.
✅ Henderson’s recall over younger talents sparks debate.
🚫 Shocking exclusions – Conor Gallagher, James Maddison, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Adam Wharton miss out.
Forwards
- Harry Kane (c) (Bayern Munich)
- Phil Foden (Man City)
- Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
- Marcus Rashford (Man United)
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
- Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)
Key Talking Points:
✅ Harry Kane leads the attack with Foden and Rashford providing support.
✅ Solanke’s inclusion over Watkins is a major surprise.
🚫 Biggest snubs – Ollie Watkins, Jack Grealish, and Bukayo Saka (injured) miss out.
Tuchel’s Selection Strategy: What Can We Expect?
🔹 Emphasis on tactical flexibility – Tuchel has picked players who can adapt to multiple positions.
🔹 Experienced midfield over young stars – Henderson’s recall suggests Tuchel wants leadership in midfield.
🔹 High-profile omissions spark debate – Gallagher, Watkins, and Maddison were expected to be included.
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Final Thoughts: Will Tuchel’s England Squad Deliver?
With Wembley hosting both games, Tuchel’s England tenure starts under immense scrutiny. Can this squad dominate in World Cup qualifiers? 💬 Share your thoughts below!
