England squad announcement LIVE: Thomas Tuchel set to confirm major recall ahead of World Cup decision | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel is preparing to name his latest England squad and is poised to announce at least one major recall as his plans for this summer’s World Cup continue to take shape.

Tuchel has yet to name a Manchester United player in one of his England squads but Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire are expected to be included, having found form since the arrival of Michael Carrick. An injury to Reece James and the retirement of Kyle Walker may lead to the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back.

Cole Palmer has recovered from groin injury and is also set to return, but competition at No 10 is fierce with Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White all battling for inclusion in one of the toughest areas of selection Tuchel has to face.

England will play Uruguay and Japan at Wembley this month in their final two friendlies before Tuchel announces his World Cup squad, so time is running out for players to make their case for inclusion. Follow all the latest from England’s squad announcement, below

Kobbie Mainoo set for England recall in midfield?

Since starting the Euro 2024 final, Kobbie Mainoo has played just one game for England, the 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland in Lee Carsley’s first game in charge.

Thomas Tuchel has previously said the Manchester United midfielder has “the experience, the power, the quality, the talent” to be part of his squad, but was lacking the time on the pitch to be considered for selection. “Free Kobbie Mainoo” was a message displayed to Ruben Amorim, before the Portuguese’s departure.

But the arrival of Michael Carrick at Old Trafford has released Mainoo, with nine consecutive starts and a string of impressive performances offering Tuchel a look at what the 20-year-old could bring to a World Cup squad and he is expected to be included in this morning’s squad.

Elliot Anderson is the leading candidate to partner Declan Rice at the base of midfield, leaving space for perhaps just one alternatives outside of the other established duo. Tuchel has regularly selected the experienced Jordan Henderson, and likes Adam Wharton.

Could Harry Maguire return to England fold in time for World Cup?

Harry Maguire has only played once for England since he was dropped from Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of Euro 2024 - that was in Lee Carsley’s first game in charge in the 2-0 win at Ireland in September 2024.

Will the centre-back get the opportunity to add to his 64 England caps with a first call-up under Thomas Tuchel? Given the questions around John Stones and his fitness, there could be room for an experienced option.

According to several reports, Maguire is expected to be returning to the England squad - just in time, potentially, for heading to the World Cup this summer. That would be quite the comeback after being left at home for Euro 2024.

(Getty Images)

Kyle Walker brings end to England ‘dream’ after announcing international retirement

Kyle Walker has announced his international retirement after a career in which he became England’s most capped right-back and went to five major tournaments.

The Burnley defender is in a select group of players who started two finals for England, in Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, and won 96 caps between his debut in 2011 and his final appearance last June.

However, he brought his England career to a close after losing his place in the squad this season, ending his chances of going to this summer’s World Cup in the United States and his ambition of reaching 100 caps.

Walker said playing for his country was “the biggest honour” of his career, while England manager Thomas Tuchel hailed him as one of the greats.

Kyle Walker brings end to England ‘dream’ after announcing international retirement

The Burnley defender has called time on his international career ahead of the 2026 World Cup, finishing with 96 caps

Richard Jolly 20 March 2026 08:46

Thomas Tuchel says he will not pick England World Cup squad on pure talent

Thomas Tuchel made the vow at the start of the year that he will not “select just for talent” when he names his World Cup squad.

"It will be very important that we don’t select just for talent, but also for what we need from a player,” he said. “What the social skills are of a player, is he a good team-mate? Can he support if his role is maybe the supporting role? So, this is where the focus is."

Let’s see how today’s squad announcement reflects that pledge.

(PA Wire)