England’s World Cup squad is far from being confirmed, with many players fighting for a seat on the plane to the 2026 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel has a dilemma.
Big names, including Ollie Watkins, Reece James and Phil Foden, are all in danger of missing out this summer.
With only a couple of months until the World Cup, the pressure is on every English player to prove they are worthy of a place in England’s World Cup squad, and on Thomas Tuchel to make the right decisions to give England the best chance of glory this summer.
Phil Foden: The Big Name Tuchel Could Leave Out Of England’s World Cup Squad
Phil Foden’s form in recent seasons has been on the decline.
Just 19 goal involvements across the last two Premier League seasons do not echo the talent that he possesses.
Comparing the last two seasons with his 2023/24 Premier League season, where he registered 27 goal involvements.
His form for England has always been questioned as it has never lived up to the standards he has set at club level.
Very rarely does he make a positive impact on the pitch in an England shirt, and that could cost him this summer.
Thomas Tuchel echoed this by suggesting Foden’s place is not guaranteed in England’s World Cup squad, indicating he doesn’t have the full impact for England that his talent suggests he should.
Foden is not only fighting to prove his worth to Tuchel but is also competing with Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham for the number 10 role.
This should be a concern for Foden, but should Tuchel leave the 25-year-old out of England’s World Cup squad or take the risk in the hope he can deliver the performances that everyone has seen him produce in the past for Manchester City?
Ollie Watkins: World Cup Hopes Enhanced Without Playing
Ollie Watkins was left out of England’s recent squad for their two friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. Could this have been a sign that Watkins was not going to the World Cup or just a chance for Tuchel to look at other options?
Watkins’ form this season has been quiet by his standards. Just nine goals and one assist in the Premier League this season have not helped his case to be on the plane to the 2026 World Cup.
Although Watkins offers more than goals in his game, his work rate and ability to bring others into play could be a good option for England to have this summer and would be a good second choice to the main man, Harry Kane.
His absence from the recent England squad did not do his chances any harm, however. The players called up ahead of him did not help their cause, with none of them really standing out for Thomas Tuchel during a disappointing international break.
Watkins may be back in line for a call-up this summer, although another player who was not called up could also have a say.
Danny Welbeck has had a fantastic season for Brighton & Hove Albion, and many believe he was unfortunate not to get a call-up for the latest England squad.
Welbeck sits sixth in the Premier League top goalscorer table with 12 goals. Having scored three more league goals than Watkins this season, the Premier League run-in could prove decisive in who gets a seat on the plane this summer.
Watkins must add more goals to his game and prove he is still a viable option for England.
He has already proved he can do it on the big stage, with a winning goal at Euro 2024 against the Netherlands in the semi-final, showing he can be relied on when it matters most.
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Reece James: Could Injury Uncertainty Cost Him A World Cup Place?
Reece James seemed to be the nailed-on first choice right back for Thomas Tuchel in the England World Cup squad. However, yet another injury setback could cast doubt over his chances of securing a place in the squad.
James suffered a hamstring injury against Newcastle United in the Premier League in March, and the worry is that this is the Chelsea man’s 10th hamstring injury since December 2020.
There is no debate over Reece James’ ability, and when fully fit, he is the guaranteed starter in the right-back role. He has had a strong season and has only strengthened his place in the World Cup squad.
His good form and consistency of staying fit this season, only missing five games through fitness concerns, has been a boost for Chelsea and England.
However, a hamstring injury and the rush to regain full fitness before the end of the season have put his World Cup chances in jeopardy.
Can Tuchel risk a place in the England World Cup squad on a player who carries such a fitness risk?
England’s World Cup Squad Headache Goes Beyond These Three Players
Thomas Tuchel has a dilemma picking England’s World Cup squad.
Many players are in danger of missing out this summer, with others ready to step in if called upon. Ollie Watkins, Reece James and Phil Foden are some of the big names that could miss out on a World Cup place.
Danny Welbeck, who was unlucky not to be called up this time, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was an even bigger shock omission, could both be called upon in June.
Thomas Tuchel has limited time to get this right, and England fans are expectant. Tuchel needs to find the balance between the best individual players and the players who make England a better team overall.
Can Tuchel select the best squad available and deliver long-overdue international success?
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 10.07.2024
