Thomas Tuchel: No One's on the Plane - England's World Cup Push

No one is on the plane yet, Tuchel's stark warning to England players

Thomas Tuchel warns England players that March friendlies against Uruguay and Japan are their “last opportunity” to secure a World Cup spot, emphasizing “no one is on the plane” yet.

“I know that it's a tough decision for Trent, as it is for I guess Ollie Watkins at the moment and for Luke Shaw...”

Thomas Tuchel, England's boss, has called this month's friendlies the “last opportunity for players to compete for their ticket” to the World Cup, emphasizing that “no one is on the plane” yet. He's announced a 35-man squad for matches against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley on March 27th and 31st.

The squad includes notable players like Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, and James Garner, who earned his first call-up. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luke Shaw are notable absentees. Tuchel aims to finalize his World Cup squad after these friendlies, with England facing New Zealand and Costa Rica in June before the tournament.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are back in the England squad, joining Leeds' Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham has also made the cut despite being out with a hamstring injury since February. Notably, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, and Ollie Watkins missed out on selection.

Thomas Tuchel's 35-man squad is preparing for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan before the World Cup. Maguire, with 64 caps, and Mainoo, 20, are rewarded for Manchester United's recent form under Michael Carrick. James Garner and Jason Steele receive first England call-ups.

Jude Bellingham's hamstring injury hasn't ruled him out of England's squad, with Thomas Tuchel including him despite his absence from the pitch since February. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, and Ollie Watkins missed out, though.

James Garner, Everton's “underrated” midfielder, earns his first senior England call-up. Tuchel's 35-man squad faces Uruguay and Japan at Wembley, with World Cup implications. 

England's squad will report to camp in two stages, with players like Declan Rice, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka skipping the Uruguay match “to give them a break mentally and physically.” These players will join later, allowing Thomas Tuchel to trim the squad to around 22 outfield players.

The squad will face Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31 at Wembley. Tuchel aims to finalize his World Cup squad after these friendlies, with England's next games being against New Zealand and Costa Rica in June.

“The reality of a March camp is that our players are in a crucial moment in the club football season,” the England manager told a press conference.

“They fight for titles, they fight a relegation battle, they are involved in knockout matches, in cup matches, so it is a crucial moment of the season, a very stressful moment of the season for them.

“But it is also our last camp, the last opportunity to impress, the last opportunity for players to compete for their ticket.”

Man Utd Players Get England Call-Up Under Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel selects Manchester United players Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo for England squad, marking the first time he's picked United players since taking charge last year.

“They have had an outstanding run since Michael Carrick took charge, and Harry and Kobbie are a big part of that,” said the German.

“It's the last camp before the US, it's the last chance also for me to get to know new players, to learn about new players.“

Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo are back in the England squad, thanks to their impressive performances for Manchester United, which has propelled them to third place in the Premier League. Maguire, 33, and Mainoo, 20, last played for England in September 2024 and are rewarded for their recent good form.

Thomas Tuchel has overlooked Luke Shaw, another Manchester United player, instead calling up Newcastle's Lewis Hall for the first time since taking charge. This decision has surprised some, given Shaw's consistent performances for United.

Thomas Tuchel explains why he has selected a 35-man #ThreeLions squad 💬 pic.twitter.com/1ZqYtVClPi

— England (@England) March 20, 2026

Thomas Tuchel called Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission a “sporting decision,” emphasizing that his World Cup hopes aren't over, despite missing out on the squad. Reece James' injury didn't sway Tuchel's decision, with other right-backs considered instead.

“I know that it's a tough decision for Trent, as it is for I guess Ollie Watkins at the moment and for Luke Shaw,” he said. “These tough decisions come with the job.”

Thomas Tuchel praised Arsenal's 16-year-old Max Dowman, calling him a “fantastic talent” after his record-breaking goal in the Premier League. However, he decided not to call him up, saying “no need to call him up now and increase the pressure and increase all the noise that comes with it.”

This little place we call home.

Introducing the England men's 2026 home and away kit ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/rcaNvKyLth

— England (@England) March 20, 2026

The World Cup is set to kick off on June 11th in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, with England among the favorites. Tuchel will finalize his squad after friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.