Six players Thomas Tuchel hasn't included in England squad that should feel hard done by
With the World Cup fast approaching, Thomas Tuchel has made some interesting calls when deciding his latest England squad – and some may feel aggrieved to have missed out.
England will continue their World Cup preparations this month with friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
In total, 35 players have been included in Tuchel's latest squad, including in-form midfielder James Garner, who has received his first senior call-up after an impressive campaign with Everton.
Manchester United pair Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have also been rewarded for their fine form under Michael Carrick, while Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin received his first call-up in five years.
Advert
Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele, who has not made a Premier League appearance this season, will also be in the squad. The 35-year-old has never played senior football for his country, but represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.
As is often the case, however, Tuchel's decision to leave several players out of his short-term plans has dominated the timeline. So, who should have made the squad?
Luke Shaw
Shaw has played a key role in Manchester United's resurgence under Michael Carrick.
After years of injury struggles, the 30-year-old is the only United player who has started in all 30 of their Premier League fixtures this season, with his performances being a huge factor behind their push for Champions League football.
Given his form for United this season, Shaw is incredibly unfortunate to miss out.
Alex Scott
Four months after receiving his first senior England call-up, Scott appears to have lost his place to Everton midfielder James Garner, who has impressed for the Toffees this season.
Scott has been one of Bournemouth's best players across the 2025-26 campaign, so many voiced their surprise after Tuchel opted for the likes of Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.
One fan wrote: "Gutting for Alex Scott. Been superb all season but especially in recent weeks, standing out in a side that’s ten unbeaten. Really don’t know what more he could have done."
A second added: "Absolutely gutting for Alex Scott, especially with this being Tuchel’s final squad before the World Cup. Not sure what more he could have done."
Harvey Barnes
"Of course. Every player wants to be at the World Cup in the summer, I'm no different to any of them," Barnes told Chronicle Live this month.
After turning down the opportunity to represent Scotland ahead of the World Cup, Barnes missed out on England's latest squad, despite his impressive record of 14 goals in all competitions this season.
Barnes, who won his only England cap in a friendly against Wales in 2020, continues to shine for Newcastle.
In fact, his tally of goals has only been bettered by one English player in the Premier League this season – his Newcastle teammate Anthony Gordon, who was named in Tuchel's squad. Unfortunate to miss out?
Trent Alexander-Arnold
"I know it's a tough decision for Trent as it is for Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw," said Thomas Tuchel in his press conference on Friday. "These tough decisions come with the job. It's a sporting decision."
On his day, Trent Alexander-Arnold can be the difference-maker, which is why many will argue against Tuchel's decision to snub the Real Madrid full-back.
"He’s used to dealing with pressure. He’s taken a decisive tournament penalty. He’s played in the World Cup before," wrote journalist Henry Winter after the news was announced.
"He has occasional defensive deficiencies but he brings a long-range passing skill that few possess. Are England that blessed at right-back that they don’t need Alexander-Arnold? That he isn’t amongst the best 30 outfield players available to Thomas Tuchel?"
Danny Welbeck
Time and time again, Danny Welbeck has been overlooked by England, with his latest appearance for his country coming in September 2018.
The experienced striker is this season's seventh-highest scorer in the Premier League with 10 goals, but was overlooked by Tuchel, who opted for Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in his position.
One fan commented on Tuchel's decision, saying: "If you’re Danny Welbeck, you’re wondering what on earth you have to do to get in that squad. Solanke? What the…"
Archie Gray
In a team that has struggled for large parts of the season, the ever-reliable Archie Gray has been one of Tottenham's standout performers.
The 20-year-old's versatility to play centre-back, right-back and central midfield, as well as his composure under pressure, could prove vital for England in the future, but on this occasion, Tuchel has decided against a call-up.
One fan reacted to the squad, saying: "Such a shame that Archie Gray hasn’t been called up to this expanded 35-man squad. He’d still be an outside shout for the World Cup, but he’s done more than enough to catch the eye - especially in recent weeks."
Thoughts on the above selections? Who do you think was unfortunate to miss out?
England 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan:
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 Guehi (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)
Topics: England, Thomas Tuchel, FIFA World Cup
Jack Kenmare