England's World Cup Squad: Tuchel Hints at Late Changes

Thomas Tuchel leaves door open for England World Cup Squad

Thomas Tuchel insists door is still open for England players to make World Cup squad, despite settled mind on team.

“We will have the phase in March which could be even busier for some of our players and their clubs...”

England head coach Thomas Tuchel says the door is still open for players hoping to make a late run for his World Cup squad, despite disappointment for several players on Friday.

Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden returned to the 25-man squad named for the final qualifiers against Serbia and Albania next week, indicating they're back in contention. Tuchel emphasized that anything can happen until the final squad announcement in May, keeping hope alive for those currently outside the mix.

Everton's Jack Grealish, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, and Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly were among the notable players left out of England's squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Morgan Gibbs-White also missed out, and time is running out for them to impress Thomas Tuchel, who will have one more squad to pick in March before naming his World Cup selection in May.

The England coach has a settled mind about his squad, but insists the door is still open for those who want to make a late run for the World Cup team. Tuchel is looking for players who are in form and can contribute to the team's success, and has recalled Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to the squad.

Thomas Tuchel emphasized that opportunities remain for players to make England's World Cup squad, despite having a clear idea of his preferred team. "The door is still open,” he said, acknowledging that circumstances can change before the final squad announcement in May.

“I will also be open because I know anything can happen. You don't wish for injuries but it can happen in short notice,” he said. “My thoughts now are more for the camps for September, October and November. But my thoughts for the World Cup will then start after this camp and the qualification phase is over.

“This was an important cycle for me and this is the third part of the cycle, so it's not finished. This is where all the attention goes now. Then comes the March camp.

"I think it's important for me to reconnect after these three camps with all 55 to 60 players on the long list and be in close contact and see them, meet them and text them.”

Thomas Tuchel has hinted he’s open to staying as England manager beyond the 2026 World Cup 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👀 pic.twitter.com/uBcXTK62nw

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England haven't announced their friendly opponents for March yet, and it might depend on who they face in the World Cup group stage. Thomas Tuchel's side is preparing for the World Cup, and their friendly matches will likely be influenced by their group stage draw.

“We will have the phase in March which could be even busier for some of our players and their clubs,” Tuchel said.

“We have to stay open-minded because young players can come through -- those who are struggling for minutes can play important roles for their clubs. I need to make sure the door is always open and they are on their toes.

“The final nomination is only in May and until then, anything can happen.”