Thomas Tuchel makes unthinkable decision about final spot in World Cup squad and it involves Trent Alexander-Arnold

Thomas Tuchel will reportedly name a surprise player in the final spot of England's World Cup squad, and it's not good news for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

In less than three weeks, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off as Mexico, who will host the tournament alongside the USA and Canada, welcome South Africa to the Estadio Azteca on June 11 for the opening fixture.

England will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign with a group L match against Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on June 17.

But before then, England manager Tuchel needs to confirm his final 26-man squad for the World Cup, with the announcement expected to come on Friday, May 22, following the confirmation of several other nation's squads.

Ahead of Tuchel's announcement several of the key names expected to be left out of the squad have already been reported online, with the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer believed to have missed out.

England staples like Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka are all a part of the 26-man squad alongside Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo Eberechi Eze, Jarell Quansah, John Stones, Tino Livramento, Ivan Toney, Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn and Noni Madueke.

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel's hidden 'reservation' about picking Harry Maguire in England World Cup squad

Despite all the reports there was still at least one place in Tuchel's squad that remained a complete unknown, with several outlets claiming that one of Alexander-Arnold, Myles Lewis-Skelly or James Garner would take the final seat on the plane to North America.

However, it has now been revealed that all three players are expected to miss out, as Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence will take the final place in Tuchel's 26-man squad.

It is believed that Spence, who has just four 4 senior caps for the England national team, has made the squad thanks to his ability to play on both sides of the defence.

The news comes less than 24 hours after it was confirmed that Spence had suffered a broken jaw during their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea.

Spence, 25, had been on the receiving end of Liam Delap's elbow as they both jumped for the ball in the final stages of the match, with the Chelsea striker receiving a yellow card for the incident.

Thomas Tuchel's expected 26-man England squad in full:

GOALKEEPERS:

Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

DEFENCE:

Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Reece James

MIDFIELD:

Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze

FORWARDS:

Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon