Thomas Tuchel Issues BIG Update on England's World Cup 2026 Squad; These Players Earn Direct Call Up

England capped off a perfect 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers campaign with their 2-0 win over Albania on Sunday, 16 November 2025. In doing so, the Three Lions ensured they won all eight qualifiers to book their places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Now, it's upon Thomas Tuchel to think ahead for the huge tournament. A huge responsibility now falls on Tuchel to select the ideal players in England's World Cup 2026 squad, and it seems that he might have certain names in mind for that.

Which Players Are Set For Inclusion In England's World Cup 2026 Squad?

England are likely to go with a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the squad limit being increased in the 2022 World Cup edition itself. However, because of the sheer amount of talent in English players playing in the Premier League and other major leagues, Thomas Tuchel will need to be smart with his selection for England's World Cup 2026 squad.

It does, although, appears that there are some players that he's already settled on picking for the World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. This includes Jordan Pickford, who has started in the majority of the matches as England's goalkeeper under Thomas Tuchel. Moreover, experienced defenders John Stones and Marc Guehi are two defenders who look locked in to be included in England's World Cup 2026 squad.

Moreover, Aston Villa center-back Ezri Konsa and Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliott Anderson - both of whom have excelled for club and country in 2025- are now almost guaranteed to be selected by Thomas Tuchel for England's World Cup 2026 squad. Of course, Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have become crucial regulars in Tuchel's squad and are set to make the squad. Jude Bellingham, who faces competition in that attacking midfield spot, looks locked in for England's 2026 World Cup squad, and of course, the England captain, Harry Kane, is also going to lead them into the tournament.

Who Are Some Other Favorites For England's 2026 World Cup Squad?

While the abovementioned players have emerged as Thomas Tuchel favorites and are locked in for the World Cup squad, as long as they can keep themselves fit and available, some more England players have a high probability of being included in England's 2026 World Cup squad. This includes Chelsea skipper Reece James, who has worked with Tuchel in the past and is one of the better all-around fullback options for the Three Lions.

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer, of course, is another world-class player that Thomas Tuchel is likely to choose, as long as he's able to stay fit. Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden and Arsenal man Eberechi Eze, who can add that X-factor with their goal-scoring capabilities, also have a high chance of being included. Marcus Rashford has regained his regular spot in the England squad, and he's almost locked in for England's 2026 World Cup squad as long as able to keep up his form. Some high-profile players who have a lot of work to do to seal their World Cup squad roles include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jack Grealish, and Ollie Watkins!