England manager Thomas Tuchel has named a vast 35-player provisional squad for this month’s crucial friendlies, casting his net wide in a decisive final audition for places at this summer’s World Cup. The enlarged selection includes several dramatic recalls and surprise inclusions as Tuchel aims to, in his own words, “open up the picture, and the competition for plane tickets to the US.”
The most notable returns are for two Manchester United stalwarts who have not featured under Tuchel’s tenure. Defender Harry Maguire, whose last England cap came in September 2024 under interim boss Lee Carsley, is recalled on the back of strong domestic performances. He is joined by clubmate Kobbie Mainoo, the midfielder last selected in September 2024, who is rewarded for his form under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford. Mainoo brings significant experience, with 10 caps including a start in the Euro 2024 final.
Striking Choices and Defensive Puzzles
Up front, competition behind captain Harry Kane is intensifying. Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Leeds United is poised for a remarkable international comeback, receiving his first call-up in five years after scoring 10 goals in 29 appearances this season. He is joined by Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke, as Tuchel assesses his striking options with Ollie Watkins noted to be out of form.
In defence, significant changes are afoot following Kyle Walker’s international retirement and an injury to Reece James. Newcastle United’s in-form left-back Lewis Hall is included and could seize the opportunity to establish himself as first-choice ahead of the World Cup. In central defence, Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan returns to bolster the unit. The right-back position remains a topic of debate, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold a candidate despite Tuchel having previously expressed reservations about his defensive discipline; Alexander-Arnold has found his role limited under the current regime.
Form Fortunes and Midfield Battles
The squad announcement highlights varying club fortunes among the attacking contingent. Eberechi Eze, now flourishing at Arsenal following his move from Crystal Palace, where he won the FA Cup in 2025, was a standout scorer in qualifying, netting more than any other England player except Kane. In contrast, Phil Foden of Manchester City, once considered a “dead cert,” is described as being “a little off his brilliant best,” with ongoing debate about the translation of his club form to the international stage.
Elsewhere, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is expected to return after recovering from a groin injury despite a difficult campaign at Stamford Bridge, while Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Barcelona has seen his contributions taper off since late January. Jarrod Bowen, the West Ham United captain with 20 caps and a goal scored in November 2024, remains a consistent performer.
The midfield is perhaps the most competitive area, with Mainoo’s recall adding to a crowded field that includes talents like Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Morgan Rogers, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall vying for selection. Everton’s James Garner is in line for a senior debut, adding further depth.
Surprise Inclusion and Integrated Planning
The most unexpected name in the squad is that of Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele. The 35-year-old, who represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics, has not started a Premier League game this season. His inclusion underscores Tuchel’s thorough assessment process.
Strategic planning is also evident in the handling of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who is reportedly being considered for inclusion even if not fully fit, to maintain his integration with the squad ahead of the global tournament. The manager will manage the large group in phases, with players reporting at different times to balance rest and evaluation.
These friendlies against Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31 at Wembley represent Tuchel’s penultimate preparation before the World Cup, which begins for England on June 17 against Croatia in Group L, which also includes Ghana and Panama. Further warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica are scheduled for June.
The selections mark a continued new era under Thomas Tuchel, who succeeded Gareth Southgate. Southgate’s contract had been extended until December 2024, having led England to the Euro 2024 final, and he has since been linked with the vacant Poland managerial role.
