Thomas Tuchel makes huge decisions as England boss announces penultimate squad before World Cup

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 20/03/2026

- 10:01

Updated: 20/03/2026

- 10:35

The Three Lions will face Uruguay and Japan later this month

Thomas Tuchel has named his penultimate England squad ahead of the World Cup this summer, with the German making several big calls as he prepares for upcoming fixtures with Uruguay and Japan.

The Three Lions will face the countries on March 27 and March 31 respectively, with both matches to take place at Wembley Stadium.


This summer will mark Tuchel's first tournament as an international manager.

And the 52-year-old has gone bold ahead of the showpiece event as he looks to guide England to a first major trophy since the World Cup in 1966.

Tuchel has named a 35-man squad, with plenty of surprises.

Five goalkeepers make the cut, with Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Jason Steele and James Trafford all battling it out for a starting berth.

In defence, usual suspects Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento and John Stones are named.

Thomas Tuchel has named his penultimate England squad ahead of the World Cup this summer, with the German making several big calls as he prepares for upcoming fixtures with Uruguay and Japan

Thomas Tuchel has named his penultimate England squad ahead of the World Cup this summer, with the German making several big calls as he prepares for upcoming fixtures with Uruguay and Japan

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However, there are big decisions at the back with Harry Maguire earning a recall.

The Manchester United centre-back has enjoyed a resurgence in recent months, ever since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

Jarrell Quansah and Fikayo Tomori, who play for Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan overseas, have been selected as well.

Nico O'Reilly and Djed Spence make up the rest of England's defensive options for the two upcoming friendlies.

In midfield, another United star earning a recall is Kobbie Mainoo. The youngster was often overlooked by Amorim at Old Trafford but, given his impressive performances under Carrick, is now back on the international stage.

Everton's James Garner is a surprise pick. Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers and Adam Wharton are other options for the centre of the field.

Things are also interesting up top.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has earnt a recall, with the striker's form at Leeds boosting his chances of being on the plane to the United States, Mexico and Canada later this summer.

Dominic Solanke, despite Tottenham enduring a wretched campaign, is another potential deputy for Harry Kane too.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been named in Thomas Tuchel's latest England squad

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Kane, of course, is named with the England captain poised to play a starring role this summer. The forward has been devastating for Bayern Munich this season and will be key to the Three Lions' chances of glory.

Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka complete their attacking options.

Read on below for the England squad in full.

England squad in full

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)