Which Players Should Make the England Squad Tomorrow (And Which Shouldn't)

Which Players Should Make the England Squad Tomorrow (And Which Shouldn't)

Thomas Tuchel will name his England squad tomorrow for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, and the choices are far from straightforward. Injuries to Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham have opened the door to new faces, while fit players such as Harry Maguire, Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson face tough scrutiny over form and relevance. Tuchel must decide whether to stick with established stars or reward players delivering consistently for their clubs.

Who Should Make It?

Phil Foden - Returning from injury, Foden is England’s most creative midfielder. His vision and technical quality are essential for unlocking defences, and he deserves a starting spot.

John Stones - Reliable and composed, Stones provides calmness in defence and the ability to play out from the back, which is crucial given the absences elsewhere.

Luke Shaw - Fully fit, Shaw remains England’s most consistent left-back. His experience and attacking support make him an automatic selection.

Adam Wharton - The young midfielder has impressed at Crystal Palace with composure and passing range. With Bellingham out, Wharton offers the ideal balance of creativity and energy.

Anthony Gordon - A direct and pacey wide option, Gordon has established himself at Newcastle as a key attacking threat. He brings the dynamism England need on the flanks.

Eberechi Eze - Back to full fitness and performing well for Arsenal, Eze provides the creative spark England often lack. His ability to unlock defences makes him a must-pick.

Ivan Toney - Toney’s aerial ability, finishing, and set-piece threat add an important dimension to the attack. His inclusion rewards form and impact rather than reputation.

Ollie Watkins - Watkins has been consistent in front of goal for Aston Villa and deserves a place as part of a balanced forward line.

Jarrod Bowen - Bowen offers versatility, goal threat, and energy. He is a reliable option for both wing and forward roles.

Myles Lewis-Skelly - The U21 standout brings youthful dynamism, pace, and creativity on the wing, complementing more experienced forwards.

Conor Gallagher - Gallagher’s energy and box-to-box capability make him a valuable midfield presence. He provides both defensive cover and attacking support.

Morgan Gibbs-White - With Palmer injured, Gibbs-White offers depth and creativity in midfield. His inclusion ensures England maintain inventive options in attack.

Harry Kane - England’s talisman remains central to the squad. Despite his recent return from injury, his goal-scoring pedigree and leadership make him indispensable. Tuchel can manage his minutes while still benefiting from his presence on the field.

Who Shouldn’t Be There?

Harry Maguire - Maguire’s form and lack of consistent club minutes make him an unlikely candidate. England cannot afford defensive passengers, and his inclusion would be based on past reputation rather than current ability.

Jack Grealish - After a great start at Everton, Grealish can understandably be debated on his England squad inclusion. This international break is a good chance for Grealish to work on his fitness and build on his promising start to the season.

Jordan Henderson - The veteran remains respected but would be more of a sentimental choice than a tactical one. Rice, Wharton, and Gallagher provide greater energy and reliability.

Mason Mount - Mount’s early season form has been patchy. While talented, he does not currently outperform the in-form midfielders pushing for selection.

The Biggest Debates

Marcus Rashford - Rashford remains divisive. His inconsistent club form contrasts with his ability to produce game-changing moments. Tuchel’s decision to include him would be bold, highlighting a preference for pace and unpredictability.

Selection Balance - The key tension is between rewarding consistent performers and including big names for experience. Players like Kane and Rashford balance that equation, while Maguire, Henderson, Grealish, and Mount represent the more contentious exclusions.

Football Park’s Predicted Squad

Goalkeepers (3): Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson Defenders (7): John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Jarell Quansah, Dan Burn Midfielders (6): Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Morgan Gibbs-White Forwards/Wings (6): Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Myles Lewis-Skelly

This selection prioritises form while keeping key leaders like Kane and game-changers like Rashford. Veterans excluded are Maguire, Grealish, Henderson and Mount, reflecting the need for performance over pedigree.

Tuchel’s squad announcement needs to be a statement of intent. Including Foden, Wharton, Eze, and Gordon signals a fresh approach, while retaining Kane and Rashford ensures experience and quality remain at the forefront and sets the tone for England’s direction under Tuchel.