No Foden, no Mainoo, but Trent makes my England World Cup squad

We now know the 48 teams who will take part in the World Cup this summer. The excitement is building but who should Thomas Tuchel pick in his 26-man England squad?

A draw against Uruguay and a defeat by Japan gave England’s manager plenty to ponder, with the team struggling to cope with some key absentees.

Chief football correspondent Jason Burt has picked his 26 players to head to North America.

Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford

No question. England’s undisputed No 1, first-choice, second name on the team-sheet after Harry Kane.

Dean Henderson

Now captaining Crystal Palace and an extremely able deputy to Pickford. And not short of confidence.

James Trafford

Third-choice goalkeeper is a tricky position: do you go for an experienced older keeper or one for the future? On this occasion the latter wins.

Biggest omission: Aaron Ramsdale

Defenders

Reece James

England’s best right-back. Only question, as ever, is fitness. No point gambling if he is a doubt.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Yes, can get caught out defensively but surely that can be drilled into him? No question about his ability.

Ezri Konsa

Has become a Tuchel stalwart, is certain to be selected and deservedly so.

Marc Guéhi

England’s first-choice centre-back and has been since Euro 2024. Is getting better and better.

John Stones

If fit – again a big if – will rival Konsa to partner Guéhi. Like Konsa, can also play right-back. If he fails to make it, Jarrad Branthwaite should go.

Harry Maguire

Impressive return to the squad, tournament experience and an acceptance of not being a certain starter should see him picked.

Nico O’Reilly

Left-back, with Luke Shaw rarely fully fit, has been an issue. O’Reilly has done well, is versatile and has a huge future – probably in midfield.

Lewis Hall

The Newcastle left-back edges out his club colleague Tino Livramento and will be England’s only specialist in that position. With a strong end to the season he may even start ahead of Nico O’Reilly.

Biggest omissions: Tino Livramento and Dan Burn

Midfielders

Declan Rice

Interestingly, Tuchel has described Rice as his “main player” and his selection in the team, never mind the squad, is a given.

Elliot Anderson

The 23-year-old has taken to international football like a duck to water and will be another starter.

Adam Wharton

Has not quite had the opportunities we expected after making the Euro 2024 squad but is probably the best progressive passer in England’s midfield options.

Jordan Henderson

It has been quite the comeback for the 35-year-old. I was sceptical of Tuchel selecting him but was wrong. He will be a great squad player and a good tourist.

Jude Bellingham

Potentially England’s most impactful player. He has to go – and probably start.

James Garner

Has seized his chance and can also play at right-back. Feel for Alex Scott who deserved more of an opportunity.

Morgan Rogers

Has been brilliant for England and is Aston Villa’s most important player. Likely to start at No 10 – or maybe off the left to accommodate Bellingham.

Biggest omissions: Phil Foden and Kobbie Mainoo

Forwards

Harry Kane

No words needed.

Danny Welbeck

Remarkable that Tuchel did not find a place for him in his enlarged 35-man squad so has little chance of going. But England are missing a trick. The 35-year-old is the ideal understudy for Kane.

Eberechi Eze

Has arguably played better for England – so far – than Arsenal but is yet to nail down a position. Could be a wild card off the bench.

Anthony Gordon

Has been hugely effective down the left for England with his pace and directness.

Noni Madueke

Has a similar profile to Gordon, but down the right, and edges out the unlucky Jarrod Bowen as Bukayo Saka’s understudy.

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