Thomas Tuchel is not here to make friends. If you've been watching the Three Lions lately, you know the vibe has shifted. Gone is the "nice guy" era of Gareth Southgate, replaced by a German tactical machine that values balance over big names.
The world cup squad for england is basically the most debated list in the country right now. Honestly, it’s a headache. We have 2026 staring us in the face, and while some players are "locks," others who were staples for years are suddenly looking at the tournament from their sofas.
It's ruthless.
The Tuchel Revolution: Form Over Reputation
Tuchel has been clear about one thing: he wants a "brotherhood." But that brotherhood doesn't automatically include the old guard. Take Harry Maguire. For years, he was the first name on the team sheet. Now? He’s been slowly phased out. Tuchel prefers the mobility of Marc Guehi and the reliability of Ezri Konsa.
John Stones is still the main man at the back, provided his legs hold up. But the real shocker is the inclusion of guys like Dan Burn. At 32, Burn earned his maiden call-up under Tuchel in 2025. Why? Because he’s a leader and he fits a specific tactical profile. He’s a "giant" who can play left-back or slot into a back three.
Tuchel loves that versatility.
The Midfield Engine Room
Decan Rice is the undisputed heart of this team. He’s evolved into a box-to-box monster at Arsenal, and Tuchel is leaning into that. But who sits next to him?
That's the million-pound question.
Adam Wharton has been a revelation for Crystal Palace and is pushing hard for that starting spot. Then there's Elliot Anderson. Since his debut in late 2025, he’s been a "Tuchel favorite." He brings an intensity and an interception rate that just makes the team click.
And then there's Jude Bellingham.
People think Jude is a lock for the No. 10 role. And yeah, he probably is. But Tuchel has been experimenting with playing both Bellingham and Cole Palmer together. Sometimes Jude drops deeper; sometimes Palmer drifts wide. It’s fluid. It’s confusing for defenders. It’s exactly what England has lacked in the past.
The Full-Back Conundrum
Right-back is a bloodbath. Reece James is finally fit and, let’s be real, when he’s healthy, he’s the best in the world. Tuchel knows him from Chelsea, so he’s got that "manager’s pet" advantage. Trent Alexander-Arnold is the alternative, but after his move to Real Madrid, things have been... complicated. He’s a genius with the ball, but Tuchel demands defensive "bravery" and discipline that Trent sometimes lacks in a back four.
On the left, things are even weirder.
- Myles Lewis-Skelly: The Arsenal kid. He’s 19 and playing like a veteran.
- Nico O’Reilly: Another youngster from Man City who has jumped the queue.
- Luke Shaw: The veteran who just can't stay on the pitch.
Most experts reckon Lewis-Skelly is the frontrunner because he’s naturally left-footed and can tuck into midfield. Tuchel loves a "hybrid" player.
The Forward Line: Is Kane Still the King?
Harry Kane is 32. He’s still scoring goals for fun at Bayern Munich. He’s still the captain. But there’s a feeling that this is his "last dance." Behind him, the competition is fierce. Ollie Watkins is the high-energy alternative, and Dominic Solanke is breathing down everyone's neck.
Bukayo Saka is the only winger who feels truly "safe."
On the left, it’s a straight-up fight between Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon. Rashford has found a second wind recently, but Gordon’s "fearless dribbling" is exactly what Tuchel wants for the high-rhythm style he’s trying to implement.
Surprising Omissions and Long Shots
Don't be shocked if some massive names miss out.
- Conor Gallagher: He just moved to Tottenham to save his World Cup chances, but he’s currently behind Wharton and Anderson.
- Jack Grealish: He’s struggling for consistent minutes at City. Tuchel isn't a fan of "slow" build-ups.
- Jordan Henderson: Believe it or not, he’s still in the mix. Tuchel values his experience for the "spirit of the camp," even if he only plays ten minutes.
Why 2026 Feels Different
The world cup squad for england isn't just about the best 26 individuals anymore. It’s about the best group. Tuchel is looking for a specific "English style"—direct, technical, and high-tempo. He wants the team to mirror the Premier League.
He’s not interested in the "golden generation" trap of trying to fit every star into the XI. If Phil Foden doesn't fit the system for a specific game, he’ll sit on the bench. That’s the reality of the new regime.
Practical Steps for the Finals
If you're following the road to 2026, keep an eye on the March and June international camps. Those are the "audition" windows.
- Watch the Left-Back Battle: If Myles Lewis-Skelly keeps starting for Arsenal, he’s on the plane.
- Monitor the "Super-Subs": Guys like Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze are fighting for those "impact" slots.
- Check the Fitness of Reece James: If he stays fit through May, he starts. If not, the right-back spot is wide open again.
The draw has already happened, and England has a manageable group, but the real test is the knockout stages where tactical flexibility becomes everything. Tuchel was hired to win, not to be popular. The squad he picks will reflect that.
Expect some heartbreaks when the final list is announced. But for the first time in a long time, it feels like there's a genuine plan behind the madness.
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The era of picking "the best players" is over; the era of picking "the right team" has begun.
Keep your eyes on the injury reports and the spring friendlies. That’s where the final 26 will truly be won or lost. England’s path to North America is set, and while the names on the back of the shirts might change, the goal remains the same: bringing it home.