England’s head coach is set to announce his updated squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan on Friday, March 20 at 10am, but who will be in and who will be absent?
Manager Thomas Tuchel named his latest England squad on Friday as the countdown to the World Cup continues.
And that should be a big clue as to what kind of situation England is in heading into this summer.
England will face Uruguay and Japan in two warm-up friendlies at Wembley later this month during the final international break of the season.
Despite all the talk about Arsenal’s Max Dauman and Liverpool’s Rio Ngmoja, it’s hard to imagine there will be many surprises, and it’s unlikely there will be any major shocks.
But one of the big talking points is Trent Alexander-Arnold and his position. He has struggled to convince Tuchel since he took over and was plagued by injuries during his time in Spain.
But Alexander-Arnold is back and playing, and if he’s starting Real Madrid games, why on earth would we ignore him? Answer: Absolutely not.
read more: Wonderkids from Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool will lead England’s next generation
He probably sits behind Reece James in the top pecking order, but the truth is, given James’ recent injury setbacks, that could be a big talking point for the team on Friday.
Chelsea captain James has suffered a hamstring problem and Blues manager Liam Rosenior said he could be out for a “couple of weeks”.
This should be a major concern as James has a history of hamstring issues and could open the door for Tino Libramento as well as Alexander-Arnold.
The midfield may also be a crowded area, but Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is in good form and I would love to see him join this squad.
Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson are firmly established, but there is plenty of competition and there are several others currently vying for the position.
What I really like about Scott, who was of course in the England squad just three months ago, is that he’s always looking forward.
Scott is fearless on the ball, ready to run with the ball and make things happen. He looks like a very good bet in a hugely changing midfield position.
Despite a rare error from Jordan Pickford against Arsenal, the Everton keeper never let England down.
Read more: Top 10 England players Tuchel should select for his 2026 World Cup squad
The big move, in my eyes, is Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. He is pushing Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly as the left-back slot.
Hall is doing well and O’Reilly continues to play in midfield. Aaron Ramsdale is also playing, so he should have a chance as the third-choice keeper.
The right-back spot is in competition with Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Jed Spence, and Spurs had his best game for Liverpool in some time.
Jarrell Quansah also impressed in Bayer Leverkusen’s game against Arsenal, but could he fit into the squad? His chances must have improved. John Stones is back and available, but former Manchester United rock Harry Maguire should also be in contention.
Maguire’s recall will be a bit of a story and he will likely be an outsider, but Tuchel will know he is of good character, reliable and in good form. That’s a player to keep an eye on, even if his odds are probably low at this point.
Tuchel will likely choose at least 26 for the two friendlies, but could choose another 26 to account for injuries and absences. Perhaps he will decide on a number later in the week depending on how many players are doubtful after the Champions League games.
John Cross’s predictions for England’s squad on Friday
Goalkeeper:
Pickford, Henderson, Trafford
Right back:
Alexander Arnold, Spence, Librament
Left back:
o’reilly, hall
Center back:
Guehi, Konsa, Stones, Quansah, Byrne
Midfield:
Rice, Anderson, Henderson, Mainu, Scott.
Number 10:
Bellingham, Rogers, Palmer, Foden
Right wing:
Maduke Island Saka
Left wing:
gordon rashford
striker:
Kane, Watkins
This week’s England player ratings
Here’s John Cross’ latest assessment of each player’s chances of being selected in the final World Cup squad (ranked out of 10)
Players are ranked by position.
goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford: 10/10 Dean Henderson 8/10 Aaron Ramsdale 6/10 Nick Pope 6/10 James Trafford 6/10
right full back
Reece James 8/10 Trent Alexander-Arnold 7/10 Jed Spence 6/10 Rico Lewis 4/10 Ben White 2/10
left full back
Nico O’Reilly 9/10 Lewis Hall 8/10 Tino Libramento 6/10 Luke Shaw 6/10 Miles Lewis-Skelly 2/10 Jack Hinshelwood 2/10
central defender
Mark Gehi 9/10 Ezri Konsa 8/10 Dan Byrne 7/10 Jarel Quansah 7/10 Harry Maguire 7/10 John Stones 6/10 Trevor Chalobah 6/10 Jarrad Branthwaite 3/10 Levi Colwill 3/10
midfielder
Declan Rice 9/10 Elliott Anderson 9/10 Jordan Henderson 8/10 Koby Mainu 7/10 Alex Scott 7/10 Curtis Jones 6/10 Adam Wharton 6/10 Morgan Gibbs-White 6/10 Conor Gallagher 4/10 Mason Mount 3/10 Ruben Loftus-Cheek 0/10
right forward
Bukayo Saka 8/10 Noni Maduke 7/10 Jarrod Bowen 7/10
left forward
Anthony Gordon 8/10 Marcus Rashford 7/10 Eberechi Eze 6/10
No10s
Jude Bellingham 9/10 Morgan Rogers 8/10 Phil Foden 7/10 Cole Palmer 7/10
strikers
Harry Kane 10/10 Ollie Watkins 6/10 Dominic Solanke 6/10 Danny Welbeck 6/10 Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6/10 Liam Delap 4/10
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