Ahead of a crunch England squad selection, Thomas Tuchel’s final chance to see his potential World Cup hopefuls up close, the Sky Sports digital football team, joined by England reporter Rob Dorsett, have been making their selections ahead of Friday’s announcement…
‘Maguire and Mainoo are no-brainers’
Harry Maguire has not featured for England since September 2024 under interim boss Lee Carsley
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale.
Defenders: Guehi, Stones, Maguire, Konsa, James, O’Reilly, Spence, Alexander-Arnold.
Midfielders: Rice, Anderson, Mainoo, Henderson, Bellingham, Foden, Rogers, Palmer.
Forwards: Saka, Rashford, Gordon, Eze, Madueke, Kane.
For me, the reintroduction of the Manchester United duo of Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo is a no-brainer – both are now Manchester United regulars, and both are playing very well, with useful big tournament experience.
They surely would have been selected by Thomas Tuchel sooner, had they been selected for their club.
The other big call sees only one striker in my squad of 25 – captain Harry Kane. That is because I fear there is such a huge drop off in form and quality right now among his understudies, that Tuchel would be better to play with a false-9, or with Rashford up front, rather than pick between Ollie Watkins, Dominic Solanke and Ivan Toney – all of whom, by their own very high standards, have not had stellar seasons.
That’s tough on Watkins, who has done so much for his country in the past, but it’s surely the right call right now. It also means that there’s room to squeeze in another elite number 10, with the enigmatic Cole Palmer the beneficiary.
Rob Dorsett
‘Trent’s chance to impress in absence of James’
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale.
Defenders: Livramento, Alexander-Arnold, Burn, Konsa, Guehi, Maguire, Hall, O’Reilly.
Midfielders: Wharton, Anderson, Rice, Bellingham, Rogers, Palmer.
Forwards: Saka, Madueke, Bowen, Rashford, Barnes, Gordon, Kane.
Harry Kane shaking off a recent calf issue is crucial for England, given the dearth of No 9 alternatives. Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon or Jude Bellingham will have to step in if he has another problem.
Those four players are part of an abundance of options for Thomas Tuchel out wide and at No 10, but all nine attacking players around Kane in this squad have been up and down this term. Here’s their chance to show they deserve the shirt.
Phil Foden and Eberechi Eze will have to impress with their clubs after slipping out of contention. Kobbie Mainoo has done just that, battling back into Man Utd’s set-up along with Harry Maguire, whose experience and set-piece threat is valuable given John Stones’ continued lack of minutes at Man City. Meanwhile, Reece James’ latest injury opens the door for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Peter Smith
‘Experience is crucial for England’
Jordan Henderson has started 20 of Brentford’s 30 Premier League games since his return to England
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale
Defenders: Spence, Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Burn, Maguire, Guehi, Shaw, O’Reilly.
Midfielders: Rice, Henderson, Mainoo, Wharton, Bellingham, Rogers, Palmer.
Forwards: Saka, Bowen, Rashford, Eze, Gordon, Kane, Watkins.
All the great World Cup winners have relied on experience and England should be no different which is why Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Jordan Henderson must be included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The trio have played a crucial role in England’s progress under Gareth Southgate and should be given a final chance to complete their mission this summer after fine seasons with their clubs.
John Stones is another stalwart unfortunate not to be included due to his lack of playing time at Manchester City although would be the first reserve to provide cover in the centre-back position.
David Richardson
‘Foden is enough as Kane’s back-up’
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Ramsdale, Henderson
Defenders: Livramento, Konsa, Guehi, Burn, Quansah, Hall, O’Reilly
Midfielders: Rice, Anderson, Henderson, Wharton, Mainoo, Bellingham, Palmer, Rogers, Eze
Forwards: Saka, Madueke, Kane, Foden, Gordon, Rashford
Reece James’ injury is a blow for England, he’s the nation’s best right-back by a country mile. This is chance to see what the alternative scenarios are like. In this team, you have Tino Livramento and Ezri Konsa as right-back cover.
This is also going to be the World Cup of set pieces so it’s worth keeping Dan Burn, who is a good wildcard option for Thomas Tuchel. It feels like it’s time to move on from the John Stones-Harry Maguire era at the back for England, let’s find something new for the long-term.
Given Declan Rice is on course to play lots of games between now and May, you need appropriate cover in midfield so that means spaces for all of Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo and Jordan Henderson.
And Eberechi Eze deserves a spot too given Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford have failed to nail down that left wing spot. A third, slightly different option in that position would be welcome anyhow.
And just like he was in the November internationals, Phil Foden is enough as England’s No 9 cover, given a lack of in-form options elsewhere. You just have to back Harry Kane to stay fit between now and July 19.
Sam Blitz
‘Calvert-Lewin deserves a shot’
Dominic Calvert-Lewin went on a rich vein of form at the end of 2025 but has scored only twice in his last 11 games
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale.
Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Burn, Konsa, O’Reilly, Maguire, Hall, Shaw.
Midfielders: Anderson, Gibbs-White, Palmer, Rice, Rogers, Mainoo, Wharton.
Forwards: Madueke, Eze, Calvert-Lewin, Gordon, Kane, Rashford, Saka.
Ahead of the World Cup it’s time for Thomas Tuchel to end the experimenting and trust in the trustworthy.
The England boss needs to lean on experience to complement the excitement rather than get carried away with the least tried and tested.
Luke Shaw, a stalwart for Manchester United this season in the Premier League, merits a recall. Starting both of England’s last two major tournament finals, that kind of experience can’t be taken for granted.
Harry Maguire is another player who is playing his best football and has never let his nation down. The pair represent reliability and reintroducing them with months to spare will only add to confidence.
Elsewhere, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form should see him pip a struggling Ollie Watkins as Harry Kane’s understudy. Noni Madueke who before a knee injury ruled him out of the last two camps had emerged as a favourite for Thomas Tuchel, will also offer an additional option in attack.
Will Bitibiri
‘Don’t take Jordan Henderson, try someone else’
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale.
Defenders: Livramento, Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Konsa, Maguire, Burn, Hall, Shaw.
Midfielders: Rice, Anderson, Wharton, O’Reilly, Bellingham, Rogers, Palmer.
Forwards: Kane, Rashford, Saka, Gordon, Madueke, Eze, Calvert-Lewin.
This squad serves two purposes for Thomas Tuchel: solidifying players who are almost certain to make the final selection, and taking a closer look at those he hasn’t fully assessed yet.
If fit, Reece James and John Stones would be included. The absence of Jordan Henderson reflects the fact that his qualities are already well known and won’t require further evaluation.
Harry Maguire has likely done enough under Michael Carrick to earn a recall, and the same applies to Luke Shaw. At left-back, where consistency has been scarce outside of Lewis Hall, Shaw’s experience and ever-presence this term makes him an option Tuchel is yet to take a look at.
If needed, Nico O’Reilly offers versatility. He is capable of dropping into defence but has been included in midfield in a Gareth Southgate inspired decision. His inclusion comes at the expense of Kobbie Mainoo, who hasn’t quite done enough to reclaim his place despite returning to the Old Trafford fold.
Most of the attackers pick themselves. Phil Foden is a big name left out, but considering he often struggled for England when he was in top form, it’s hard to argue for him when he looks a shell of himself.
That leaves the final question to ponder. Who backs up Harry Kane? While he isn’t scoring goals at the same rate he was in December, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s run for Leeds combined with the lack of form from others, means that Tuchel should listen to Daniel Farke and give him a shot to impress.
Callum Bishop
‘Garner deserves a late shot for England’
James Garner has featured in five different positions for Everton this season
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale
Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Burn, Maguire, Guehi, O’Reilly, Shaw.
Midfielders: Anderson, Wharton, Mainoo, Rice, Bellingham, Garner, Gibbs-White, Rogers, Palmer.
Forwards: Saka, Bowen, Eze, Kane, Toney, Gordon, Rashford.
Now is the final time for Thomas Tuchel to test out his Plan Bs ahead of the World Cup and there are several players worth his observation over the March international break.
With the elephant-in-the-room caveat that it is late for a debut call-up, James Garner has been Everton’s best performer this season and as a versatile operator, a huge plus for any tournament squad, he deserves a look-in. With Reece James absent and Tino Livramento only just returning from injury his ability to cover at right-back specifically, as he showcased excellently at Arsenal on Saturday, is another big tick in the box.
Kobbie Mainoo has yet to play for Tuchel but deserves a chance given his role in Man Utd’s resurgence and needs no introduction to the England squad.
In attack, the continued form of Kane understudy Ollie Watkins is a growing concern. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s own purple patch has long finished so it’s time to bring Ivan Toney back in from the cold.
The Saudi Pro League is incomparable to the Premier League but he’s got the rhythm of scoring goals – 19 since the turn of the year – which none of England’s other back-ups can claim. He has tournament experience and undoubted quality.
Ron Walker
‘Give Saka a rest before World Cup’
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale.
Defenders: Livramento, Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Konsa, Burn, Maguire, Hall, Shaw.
Midfielders: Rice, Anderson, O’Reilly, Wharton, Mainoo, Rogers, Palmer.
Forwards: Kane, Bowen, Madueke, Gordon, Rashford, Calvert-Lewin, Welbeck.
Bukayo Saka is a man in need of a well-earned break. The Arsenal forward’s performances have been on the wane, and this is his last opportunity to put his feet up ahead of this summer’s World Cup. No doubt this will be music to Mikel Arteta’s ears.
Removing Saka provides Thomas Tuchel with the opportunity to have a closer look at which striker should play back-up to Harry Kane at the World Cup. Ollie Watkins has been a shell of his former self and might benefit from a few extra days off too.
Watkins has the job of Kane’s deputy if he can pick up his form by season end. However, Danny Welbeck and Dominic Calvert-Lewin deserve to be given a look. Tuchel’s options will be limited if he does not at least test out the more experienced pair now.
Reece James’ injury opens the door for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will surely feel like this is a make-or-break moment for his international career under Tuchel. If not now, when?
Harry Maguire’s presence in this squad would be as a back-up rather than the leading role he played under Gareth Southgate but his experience can be valuable for England. His Man Utd team-mate Luke Shaw would also have to settle for a similar role behind Lewis Hall.
Morgan Gibbs-White is unlucky to miss out. England’s stacked options in his position, albeit Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer have lost their form, means he would only be included in this squad because of the injured Jude Bellingham’s absence.
Kobbie Mainoo, who has rediscovered some form under Michael Carrick, deserves to have a chance to play under Tuchel. If there is a further injury issue to the one of the No. 10s then Gibbs-White would be high, if nor first, on the list of options to replace them.
Zinny Boswell
‘Ideal chance to give Barnes a runout in attack’
Last month, Harvey Barnes turned down the opportunity to represent Scotland at the World Cup
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale.
Defenders: Livramento, Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Maguire, Hall, O’Reilly, Konsa, Shaw
Midfielders: Wharton, Anderson, Rice, Bellingham, Rogers, Palmer, Gibbs-White
Forwards: Saka, Bowen, Rashford, Barnes, Gordon, Kane, Eze
With just four games left until England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in June, boss Thomas Tuchel will have already settled on the majority of the squad he wants to take to this summer’s tournament, making the upcoming double header with Uruguay and Japan key in helping the German finalise those selections.
The goalkeeping department is settled, however, apart from the battle between Newcastle backup Aaron Ramsdale – Nick Pope’s poor form this campaign excludes him – and Man City’s James Trafford for the No 3 ‘keeper role up, with the latter missing out due to a lack of game time this season.
In the back line, Chelsea captain Reece James is out injured, Kyle Walker has retired, while John Stones has not featured enough so far this season to warrant his inclusion, meaning chances again for former favourites Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire.
Despite his off-colour campaign to date, Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer gets the nod in midfield alongside fellow No 10s Morgan Gibbs-White, Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham, now back from a hamstring injury.
And in attack, now is the time to give Harvey Barnes a runout after the forward’s impressive recent form on the left-hand side of Newcastle’s front line.
Richard Morgan
‘Toney the best option to support Kane’
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Henderson, Ramsdale.
Defenders: Livramento, Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Konsa, Burn, Maguire, O’Reilly, Shaw.
Midfielders: Rice, Anderson, Wharton, Mainoo, Rogers, Palmer, Bellingham.
Forwards: Kane, Bowen, Saka, Madueke, Gordon, Rashford, Toney.
With the World Cup fast approaching, the upcoming international camp is about fine-tuning the squad rather than overhauling it to trial new things.
The spine of the team picks itself. Jordan Pickford, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice and Harry Kane should all be included in every line-up England field but Thomas Tuchel must surround them with the right combination of players to maximise their chances in the summer.
The most notable role up for debate is the understudy to Kane up front. At the age of 32 and the scorching temperatures England will face in the summer, the upcoming break could offer a perfect opportunity for a back-up striker to secure the role.
For me, that person is Ivan Toney. Points will be raised about the quality of the Saudi Pro League, but he’s used to intense heat, is a penalty specialist, and we are all aware of the quality he consistently showed in the Premier League.
Ollie Watkins has struggled this season, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin has not scored since February 6. Toney is the man.
Patrick Rowe
