Coach Thomas Tuchel announced an expanded 35-player squad for the England squad. The friendlies against Uruguai, on March 27th, and Japão, on March 31st, both in Wembley, serve as final preparation for the Copa of Luke Shaw were left out due to technical decisions. Tuchel explained that the objective is to open competition for places in the tournament in Estados Unidos, Canadá and México.
The strategy adopted by Tuchel divides the squad into different groups for each match. An initial group participates in the game against Uruguai, with 24 players. Outros 11 athletes, who accumulated more than 3,500 minutes for their clubs this season, come together just for the confrontation with Essa approach allows rest for more worn-out players and detailed evaluations of alternative options.
Absences and technical decisions
Trent Alexander-Arnold was not included on the list despite his recognized talent. Ollie Watkins was also left out amid an irregular phase in Aston Villa. Luke Shaw remains absent, with Tuchel opting to keep Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence in defense options.
The coach highlighted that choices like these are sporting and necessary to observe other profiles. Ele mentioned that he knows the potential of some names well, but seeks more clarity about other athletes.
Returns and new calls
Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo return to the group after a period away. Fikayo Tomori returns to the national team since 2023. James Garner receives his first call-up to the main team, after standing out in the youth categories.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke were also called up to compete for positions in attack. Tuchel called up 10 attackers in total, including Harry Kane as a reference.
Split squad and late players
The 11 athletes joining later include Dean Henderson, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Todos exceeded 3,500 minutes on the field this season.
Tuchel justified the measure as a way of granting mental and physical rest. Esses players have demonstrated good performance in previous commitments and return with renewed motivation.
Test for specific function in Mundial
Jason Steele, goalkeeper for Brighton, enters the list without caps for the main team. Ele undergoes a test to act as fourth goalkeeper in Copa of Mundo.
The role involves supporting the group of goalkeepers, helping with penalty training and relieving the workload of others. Tuchel identified Steele as an ideal candidate for this support position.
Complete call list
- Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Aaron Ramsdale, Jason Steele.
- Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Harry Maguire,
- Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, James Garner, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice,
- Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane,
Cast of 35 offers multiple options
The call allows Tuchel to evaluate different dynamics on the field. Nenhum player is left without participation in at least one match. The division guarantees total focus on each friendly.
Preparation for Mundial
Games in Wembley represent the last home window before the tournament. Tuchel seeks a balance between observing new names and preserving key athletes.
