Tuchel’s Second Squad Unveiled
Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man England squad on May 23, 2025, for a World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 7 and a friendly against Senegal on June 10, as reported by The Independent. Following victories over Albania (2-0) and Latvia (3-0) in March, Tuchel made seven changes, introducing fresh faces and managing injury concerns ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Three Lions, atop Group K, face a weaker Andorra side before a tougher Senegal test at Nottingham’s City Ground.
Key Inclusions: Toney and Chalobah Shine
Ivan Toney’s recall headlines the squad, rewarded for his 29 goals in 43 matches for Al-Ahli, including an Asian Champions League title, per Sky Sports. “Ivan deserves to be with us,” Tuchel said, citing his penalty-taking prowess. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah earns a first senior call-up after 32 appearances this season, praised for his versatility at center-back and right-back. Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins, Conor Gallagher, Noni Madueke, and Morgan Gibbs-White return, while Jordan Henderson’s leadership retains his spot despite Ajax’s Eredivisie loss, per BBC Sport.
Notable Absences
Phil Foden, battling an ankle injury and mental fatigue, requested a rest period, missing the camp, per The Athletic. Marcus Rashford, on loan at Aston Villa, is sidelined by a season-ending hamstring injury, ruling him out alongside Manchester United teammates Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire, marking a rare absence of United players, per Sky Sports. Marc Guehi (eye injury), Jarrod Bowen, Aaron Ramsdale, and Dominic Solanke—dropped after Tottenham’s Europa League win—are also omitted, with Tuchel prioritizing new faces like Chalobah over Solanke, per The Independent.
Squad Dynamics and Strategy
Tuchel’s selections reflect a balance of experience and youth, with eight players—Reece James, Cole Palmer, Chalobah, Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Harry Kane, and Trent Alexander-Arnold—set for the Club World Cup starting June 14, per BBC Sport. Bellingham, despite impending shoulder surgery post-tournament, remains a cornerstone. Myles Lewis-Skelly secures the left-back role, while Eberechi Eze’s FA Cup heroics ensure his inclusion. Tuchel emphasized a full squad commitment, rejecting early releases despite club pressures, stating, “We start and finish with 26,” per Sky Sports.
Full England Squad
- Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Burnley)
- Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, loan from Manchester City)
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
- Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
What’s Next?
England’s camp begins June 4, with Tuchel aiming to refine his high-pressing, possession-based style for the World Cup’s humid conditions, per The Independent. The Andorra match in Barcelona is a formality, but Senegal’s physicality will test England’s depth. Tuchel’s decision to overlook Ben White, due to impending fatherhood, and Harry Maguire, despite his experience, signals a shift toward form and fitness, per BBC Sport. On X, @England hailed Toney’s return as “deserved,” while @SkySportsNews noted Chalobah’s “shock inclusion.” The squad’s performance could shape Tuchel’s long-term vision as the World Cup looms.
