Manager Thomas Tuchel has drawn up an extensive list of 50 call-up candidates. The England manager is expected to be busy over the coming weeks, with visits, FaceTime and Zoom calls scheduled with World Cup hopefuls. Among the names to watch is Brighton’s young talent Jack Hinshelwood, whose ability to play both at left-back and midfield has caught the attention of Tuchel and his team.
Brighton colleague Danny Welbeck is another player to keep an eye on, and although he was unfortunately unable to take part in the latest camp, he is currently in good form and is known to be a great team player. But Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold face a race against time and odds to qualify, and there are likely to be some high-profile casualties.
Chelsea’s prodigy Palmer was outstanding at last year’s Euros and also shined at the Club World Cup, establishing himself as one of the world’s top young talents.
However, Palmer has been plagued by injuries this season, including a lack of rest due to the Club World Cup, and competition for the number 10 spot is fierce.
Morgan Rodgers and Jude Bellingham currently lead the team, but Phil Foden has the advantage due to his ability to play as a false nine. This could also be a plus for Eberechi Eze, who can play either centrally or wide left.
But all of this is troubling for Palmer, who risks becoming the biggest casualty unless he can regain peak form and fitness for the second half of the season.
Tuchel prefers to meet his players in person, preferably in person, because he can measure their contribution to the England team by looking them straight in the eye.
Alexander-Arnold remains an enigma at international level, with some speculating that he is primarily focused on success at Real Madrid after a difficult start due to injury.
While Ben White is not playing for Arsenal, it is unlikely that he will return. The same goes for Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is at risk of being overtaken by Nico O’Reilly, while Jed Spence did not start either of November’s international games.
Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire appear to have been ruled out by Tuchel. Elliott Anderson and Declan Rice are certain to be signed, Tuchel wants Jordan Henderson, and Adam Wharton and others will likely be competing for the final spot.
Dan Byrne for sure. why?
He is a good team player and his height gives him an advantage during set pieces.
Bukayo Saka is the starter, but Noni Maduke is highly rated, followed by Jarrod Bowen.
With Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon ahead of Eze and a squad that is almost certain to have a 26-man squad next summer, Tuchel is likely to select two wingers for both sides.
There seems to be room for another striker alongside Harry Kane. We are currently hiring for that position.
Ollie Watkins was a Euro hero but there is still work to be done.
Tuchel has a lot of decisions to make in every sense of the word. But that extensive list gives players hope.
England now have just two friendlies left in March – likely to be against Uruguay and Japan – before Tuchel makes his toughest decision yet when announcing his squad.
Many star players will be nervously waiting to hear from Tuchel.
