England manager Thomas Tuchel has thrown the spotlight on his squad selection once again, unveiling a sprawling 35-man list on March 20, 2026, that features a blend of fresh faces, surprise inclusions, and some notable omissions. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming on the horizon—set to kick off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada this June—Tuchel’s choices have already sparked debate and anticipation among fans and pundits alike.
Perhaps the most eye-catching news is the call-up for two uncapped players: Everton’s industrious midfielder James Garner and Brighton’s veteran goalkeeper Jason Steele. Garner, just 25, has been a mainstay for Everton all season, racking up five assists and two goals while starting every league match for the Toffees. Steele, meanwhile, at 35, has yet to make a Premier League appearance this campaign but has impressed in cup competitions and on the training ground, earning the trust of both his club and, now, the national team setup.
This expanded squad marks Tuchel’s penultimate selection before he whittles down the roster for the World Cup itself. England’s preparations include friendlies at Wembley Stadium against Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31—matches that will serve as crucial auditions for fringe players and a chance for established stars to regain sharpness.
Tuchel explained the rationale behind his supersized squad, saying, “We decided to divide it into basically two camps almost. So we bring players in that we haven’t seen, who haven’t played so much, to open up the picture and the competition for plane tickets to the US. Then from Friday and Saturday, a group of players will come into camp—10 or 11 players who had a rest before—so we can go with a new group and mix of players into the match against Japan.”
The manager’s approach is both pragmatic and forward-thinking. By giving opportunities to those on the fringes, Tuchel is not only rewarding club form but also stoking healthy competition for coveted World Cup spots. It’s a strategy that could pay dividends as England look to build depth and resilience ahead of a grueling summer tournament.
Among the headline recalls are Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom return after spells out of the squad. AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori is back for the first time since October 2023, bringing defensive steel and versatility. Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has netted 10 league goals this season, is another returnee, called up more than five years after his last England appearance. Dominic Solanke, now at Tottenham Hotspur, also rejoins the fold for the first time since October 2024.
But with every inclusion comes a notable omission. Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, widely regarded as one of the most talented right backs of his generation, has been left out. Tuchel was candid about his reasoning: “I know it’s a tough one, I know it’s a big name, a huge talent and a big career, but I feel I know what Trent can give us, and decided still to stick with the players who were in camp with us.” Instead, Tuchel has opted for Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, Tottenham’s Djed Spence, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah—typically a center back—as his right back options. He stressed the importance of rewarding those who contributed to England’s World Cup qualification and impressed during the autumn training camps.
Other high-profile absentees include Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins, and Chelsea duo Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah, the latter two sidelined by injury. Brighton’s 11-goal striker Danny Welbeck also misses out, potentially dashing his World Cup dreams.
The inclusion of James Garner is particularly well-deserved. Garner was a pivotal figure in England’s Under-21 squad that triumphed at the 2023 Euros and has continued his upward trajectory at Everton. In a video shared by Everton’s official X account, Garner expressed his delight: “The manager rang me last night and just said that I’ll be involved. That was a good FaceTime call. I was very confident it was going to come just on the basis that I’ve had a good season, so I finally got my chance and it’s a dream come true.”
Jason Steele’s call-up is equally remarkable. Having joined Brighton in 2018 and made 63 first-team appearances with 21 clean sheets, Steele has often played the role of reliable backup, especially this season, where he’s featured only in cup competitions. Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler was effusive in his praise: “I also want to emphasise that we still have a great second goalkeeper, Jason Steele, who is also, though he’s not playing, in incredible shape. When I see him training every day it’s just impressive, and every time we need him he’s there. He showed really good performances in the FA Cup game, so therefore he’s a really good candidate as well.”
Steele is expected to serve as a training goalkeeper for England during the World Cup, a role that, while unlikely to yield game time, is crucial for maintaining high standards in camp and supporting the squad’s preparations. Steele’s international experience dates back to his time as an unused member of Great Britain’s squad at the 2012 London Olympics.
Tuchel’s squad, brimming with both promise and experience, breaks down as follows: Goalkeepers—Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United), and Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion). The defensive corps features Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Harry Maguire, Nico O’Reilly, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, John Stones, and Fikayo Tomori. In midfield, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, James Garner, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, and Adam Wharton offer a mix of youth and experience. Up front, the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, and Dominic Solanke provide Tuchel with a wealth of attacking options.
There are also some fitness concerns. Jude Bellingham makes the squad despite not featuring for Real Madrid since early February due to a hamstring injury, while John Stones has managed just two appearances for Manchester City since early December. Their inclusion suggests Tuchel is keen to keep his options open as he monitors their recovery and form in the weeks ahead.
As England gear up for their upcoming friendlies, the competition for a final World Cup berth is fierce. With a balance of established stars and hungry newcomers, Tuchel’s Three Lions are shaping up to be one of the most intriguing squads in recent memory. Fans will be watching closely as the team’s preparations continue, eager to see which players seize their chance and who ultimately makes the cut for the biggest stage in world football.
For now, the story remains unfinished. With two more friendlies to play and plenty of competition within the squad, the final chapter of England’s World Cup selection drama is yet to be written. The road to the United States, Mexico, and Canada is wide open—and the race for a seat on the plane has never been more intense.