Thomas Tuchel is preparing to announce his initial England squad—what adjustments might he implement as the World Cup qualifying begins?

As the countdown to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico ticks down to just 16 months, new England manager Thomas Tuchel faces a crucial task ahead of his first squad announcement for the March qualifiers against Latvia and Albania. The pressure is on for Tuchel to make an immediate impact as he embarks on this new chapter in his managerial career.

Reports suggest that Tuchel has already engaged in discussions with Arsenal defender Ben White, who has been absent from the national setup since departing the World Cup camp in Qatar last year. White’s potential return to the fold could signal a shift in Tuchel’s approach, but the question remains: what other changes might the German tactician implement as he seeks to hit the ground running?

Tottenham Hotspur’s James Maddison has also revealed that he has had conversations regarding national team matters with Tuchel. The midfielder has been instrumental in Spurs’ recent resurgence, notably scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Manchester United, a moment he clearly relished. Despite his talent, Maddison has only made a handful of appearances for England since his debut in 2019, missing out on the Euro 2024 squad under Gareth Southgate and subsequent selections by Lee Carsley. However, the 28-year-old remains “hungry” to make his mark and hopes this new era under Tuchel will provide him with the opportunity to shine as the team gears up for the 2026 World Cup.

Conversely, Jack Grealish appears to be on a downward trajectory. Once a key figure for Manchester City, particularly during their treble-winning season in 2022/23, Grealish has struggled with fitness and playing time in recent months. Pep Guardiola has not hesitated to publicly address Grealish’s dip in form, a situation that may not bode well for the 29-year-old’s chances under Tuchel.

With Bukayo Saka likely sidelined due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action since before Christmas, Tuchel may need to explore new attacking options for the upcoming fixtures at Wembley. One player who could be thrust into the spotlight is young forward Liam Delap. Despite Ipswich’s struggles in their first season back in the Premier League, Delap has showcased his potential with 10 league goals. Having represented England at various youth levels, a senior call-up seems imminent, though it remains to be seen if March will come too soon for the 22-year-old.

Another name to watch is teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, who could make a surprise entry into Tuchel’s squad. The 18-year-old defender has stepped up admirably for an injury-ravaged Arsenal during a challenging season, particularly in a left-back position that has been a persistent issue for England.

Additionally, Tuchel’s willingness to look beyond the Premier League could see Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford receive a well-deserved elevation. The 22-year-old played a pivotal role in England’s triumph at the European Under-21 Championship in 2023 and was included in Southgate’s provisional squad for Euro 2024.

As Tuchel prepares to unveil his squad, the anticipation builds. Will he opt for a blend of youth and experience, or will he take bold steps to reshape the national team ahead of the World Cup? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the road to 2026 is set to be an intriguing journey.