No Lion - Five New Names that Thomas Tuchel MUST Take to the World Cup This Summer

No Lion - Five New Names that Thomas Tuchel MUST Take to the World Cup This Summer

We are approaching the back end of the club season and that means one thing this year, the World Cup is just around the corner. Therefore, today we will be looking through five of the names that have an outside chance of coming to the World Cup and many people believe should be a must on the plane.

Levi Colwill (Chelsea)

We start with a name that in a normal season would more than likely already be on the plane. However, this season, he has spent the last 10 months on the sidelines with an ACL injury. He has now returned and in his first start back with Chelsea, he helped them end their losing streak in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

Chelsea looked fitter and more confident thatn they have looked in months and even more resolute at the back hugely because of Levi Colwill's return to the backline.

I analyze his influence as well as how Chelsea drew 1-1 to Liverpool here 👇https://t.co/rfalCZzqoV pic.twitter.com/ivMJoYk9g8

— Oluwaseun 🇳🇬 (@MobyChe) May 10, 2026

Composed at the back and a leader. Someone who is truly a modern centre back, comfortable with the ball at his feet and able to play the line breaking passes. He has become an outside name as he has barely touched a football pitch this season. However, with centre backs being few and far between for England Tuchel should be paying close attention to Colwill for the last 2 match weeks, and he could be given a chance as at least a squad player.

Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough)

Hackney is an interesting player as he isn’t someone who would be a starter especially with the quality England has in the middle, however, he still deserves a shout in this team. With this year’s World Cup being extended the true depth of a nation comes into play.

With his chance creation and progressive passing, he can be one of those players who is used as a rotation player to rest those who have had a long season. One man that he could come in as a rotation for is Declan Rice. Both often playing in a deeper position but given freedom to move forward. For Tuchel Hackney would be a perfect player to come in for tired legs and still allow quality on the pitch.

Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion)

The biggest issue England has this summer is the strikers. While Harry Kane is having his best season ever, he still is human and could still face an injury. Then England has an issue. Therefore, we need someone to come in and cover his spot and who else than Danny Welbeck.

🚨| Danny Welbeck is set to be named in England’s provisional World Cup squad.

Thomas Tuchel will submit a list of up to 55 players to FIFA today, with his final 26-man squad to be announced on 22nd May. #BHAFC

[via @mcgrathmike] pic.twitter.com/DINP3Nztf1

— The Brighton Base (@TheBrightonBase) May 11, 2026

With 13 goals this season he has proved that he still has it. While he wouldn’t be able to create anywhere near as much as Kane does, he ability in front of goal is still a very high level and would at least allow England a chance of causing damage. He would be an ideal player to be on the plane and allow for Kane to rest as well as help see out a game. His experience would be more than welcomed in what is a young England side. With all of this he needs to be on the plane to the US.

Max Dowman (Arsenal)

While he hasn’t played much for Arsenal this season, when he has been on the pitch, he has become one of if not the best player on the pitch. His technical ability is a different level especially for his age and he would bring that x-factor that England looks to be missing now.

While only 16 years old, he can still be a massive help especially as in impact sub. With Spain doing a similar thing with Lamine Yamal, Dowman deserves a chance to show himself on the world’s largest stage. Having him to come off the bench for a tired Saka, Palmer, or Foden it would allow for some more freedom and unpredictability especially in those game where England are struggling to find a solution.

Femi Azeez (Millwall)

We end this 5-man short list off with another one of the Championships best. While Azeez couldn’t help Millwall to the Premier League this season he has still been a joy to watch. With 11 goals and 7 assists he has a strong output and that is something England is currently lacking on the wings.

With some of England’s star players such as Foden, Palmer and Saka all looking to be out of form, England might need to hedge their bets somewhere else. Azeez is a flexible forward and someone who can play across the front line and on both sides of the wing. This is especially important for England who’s left wing has locked a bit lack lustre lately. He would bring that extra level and some more variety to the front line. With his willingness to take his man on and try and beat them he would be different to most of the wingers England has and therefore, Tuchel should give him a chance on the plane.