{"id":1439732,"date":"2026-03-19T15:39:42","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T15:39:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1439732"},"modified":"2026-03-19T15:39:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T15:39:43","slug":"england-analysis-five-main-questions-march-squad","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/england-analysis-five-main-questions-march-squad\/","title":{"rendered":"England analysis: Five main questions for Thomas Tuchel ahead of Friday&#8217;s squad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Thomas Tuchel names his final England squad before the World Cup on Friday morning<\/strong>. <strong>And there are still so many players\u2019 fates up in the air.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most of Tuchel&#8217;s first-choice lineup for the opening game World Cup game against Croatia on 17th June seems set in stone &#8212; injury aside. Jordan Pickford, Reece James, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane are shoo-ins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, there are plenty of dilemmas elsewhere for Tuchel to work through ahead of the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We&#8217;ll get a better idea of Tuchel&#8217;s thinking with his selections for the upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Five questions for Thomas Tuchel: <\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-will-kobbie-mainoo-be-selected\" data-level=\"3\">Will Kobbie Mainoo be selected?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-will-harry-maguire-make-a-return-after-two-years-out\" data-level=\"3\">Will Harry Maguire make a return after two years out?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-is-foden-both-out-of-form-and-out-of-the-fold\" data-level=\"3\">Is Foden both out of form and out of the fold?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-veteran-forward-to-make-a-remarkable-comeback\" data-level=\"3\">A veteran forward to make a remarkable comeback?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-who-s-in-at-full-back-with-james-out\" data-level=\"3\">Who\u2019s in at full back with James out?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-will-kobbie-mainoo-be-selected\">Will Kobbie Mainoo be selected?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kobbie Mainoo is one of several Manchester United players back in England contention after their upturn in form under Michael Carrick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Mainoo, it&#8217;s not even that Man Utd have been winning. It&#8217;s simply because he&#8217;s been playing. The midfielder did not start a single Premier League this season while Ruben Amorim was in charge. He&#8217;s started all nine since Carrick&#8217;s arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mainoo isn&#8217;t 21 until next month, but already has serious big-game experience for both club and country. He was goalscorer and Man of the Match in the 2024 FA Cup final, weeks before starting in the Euro 2024 final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He hasn&#8217;t played for his country since. But with his current form and the fact England are not exactly blessed with midfield depth, it feels like Tuchel will select Mainoo two years on from his debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-will-harry-maguire-make-a-return-after-two-years-out\">Will Harry Maguire make a return after two years out?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Harry Maguire last played for England in friendlies in March 2024, whicih injuries ruling him out of the Euros that summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He is another Man Utd player in form at the right moment for selection. And, like Mainoo, Maguire is competing in an area of relative weakness for England.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With John Stones barely back from injury, and Dan Burn unlikely to feature in a tournament match, Maguire could be primed to return to the squad an challenge Ezri Konsa for his spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He should add to his 64 caps both this month and in the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-foden-both-out-of-form-and-out-of-the-fold\">Is Foden both out of form and out of the fold?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other side of Manchester, it\u2019s a totally different story with Phil Foden. The Manchester City man is at major risk of missing out on selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2024 PFA Player of the Year hasn\u2019t scored since mid-December and didn\u2019t get off the bench in either leg of Man City\u2019s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a damning indictment of where his form currently is. And Foden doesn\u2019t have the relationship with Tuchel that he has with father figure Pep Guardiola.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike defence and central midfield, the Three Lions almost have too many options in attacking positions. With Eberechi Eze bang in form and the likes of Jude Bellingham (if fit), Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers all set to be selected, Foden could be the fall guy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It would mark a torrid 18 months for him and leave him sweating on his World Cup dream.<\/p>\n\n\n<hr \/>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-soa-bs4-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sky Bet Offer<\/a>: Get \u00a340 in free bets when you place any bet<\/h2>\r\n<p>Looking for some free bets to boost your betting fund? Sky Bet are offering customers the chance to get \u00a340 in free bets when they sign up and place any qualifying bet.<\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1422496\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-1024x290.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"290\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-1024x290.png 1024w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-300x85.png 300w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-768x218.png 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-1536x435.png 1536w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-400x113.png 400w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-600x170.png 600w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-212x60.png 212w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-150x43.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143-40x11.png 40w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2023\/11\/06113653\/image-143.png 2036w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\r\n<ol>\r\n<li><a href=\"\/en\/go\/sky-bet?q=gb-all-con-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Sign up at Sky Bet<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0using this link<\/li>\r\n<li>Place a qualifying bet of at least 5p on a single or each way bet at odds of 1\/1 or greater, as your first bet<\/li>\r\n<li>Claim your \u00a340 free bet bonus<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h5 class=\"bookmaker-row exclusive\" style=\"text-align: center;\" data-filter=\"  all-bookmakers free-bets in-play new-bookmaker world-cup-offers\">18+ NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. FIRST SINGLE &amp; E\/W BET ONLY ODDS OF 1\/1 OR GREATER. 4 X \u00a310 BET TOKENS. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. FREE BETS EXPIRE AFTER 30 DAYS. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&amp;CS APPLY.<\/h5>\r\n<hr \/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-veteran-forward-to-make-a-remarkable-comeback\">A veteran forward to make a remarkable comeback?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Harry Kane is the biggest shoo-in in the team, who plays the role of his understudy is less certain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jarrod Bowen\u2019s form should see him called up on Friday. But while both he and Marcus Rashford can play up top, neither are true strikers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ollie Watkins is out of sorts, Dominic Solanke is injured too often and Ivan Toney is seemingly out of the picture in Saudi Arabia. That could lead to an iconic return to the fold for either Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Danny Welbeck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two strikers are the joint-top scoring English players in the Premier League this season with 10 goals apiece. It is their highest returns in years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Calvert-Lewin has returned to life at Leeds and is eyeing up a first call-up since Euro 2021, stating he \u201cknows the role\u201d of backup well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As does Welbeck, who hasn\u2019t played for England since the 2018 World Cup but has a brilliant record for his country. Of active English players, only Kane and Rashford have scored more than his 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Current player<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>England goals <\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Harry Kane <\/td><td>78<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Marcus Rashford <\/td><td>18<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Danny Welbeck<\/td><td>16<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Bukayo Saka<\/td><td>14<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Harry Maguire<\/td><td>7<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Selection for the Brighton veteran would be the longest period between call-ups since Ian Callaghan in 1977. Either way for either man, it would be a remarkable comeback story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-s-in-at-full-back-with-james-out\">Who\u2019s in at full back with James out?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a real concern for both Tuchel and Reece James, the right-back is out of the March friendlies with his latest hamstring injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like at Chelsea, James has been a key man for the German and is a lock to start in the summer if fit. But his absence does provide others with much-needed opportunities. Most notably Trent Alexander-Arnold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Real Madrid star has only played under Tuchel once having been left out of recent squads due to form and injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In his best run of games and form since his summer move from Liverpool, the friendlies could be the perfect chance to impress the England manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tino Livramento is another who could benefit from both James\u2019 absence and own injury return. The Newcastle full-back has been a favourite of Tuchel and, perhaps crucially, can play on both sides of a back four. As can Djed Spence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the left-hand side, it\u2019s still unclear who is first-choice with six players tried out in 10 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lewis Hall hasn\u2019t played under Tuchel but will surely get the nod this time given his fine form. Nico O\u2019Reilly was selected for the first time in November and his versatility is a real bonus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke Shaw hasn\u2019t featured since the Euro 2024 final but has started all 30 league games this season and is another who could profit off Man Utd\u2019s return to form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Who might it be? We\u2019ll soon find out as England\u2019s World Cup squad starts to take shape.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thomas Tuchel names his final England squad before the World Cup on Friday morning. And there are still so many players\u2019 fates up in the air. Most of Tuchel&#8217;s first-choice lineup for the opening game World Cup game against Croatia on 17th June seems set in stone &#8212; injury aside. Jordan Pickford, Reece James, Marc&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3577,"featured_media":1439739,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"England analysis: Five main questions ahead of Friday's squad","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"With only one set of friendlies before the World Cup, Thomas Tuchel's squad announcement on Friday will tell us plenty about his thinking.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1439732","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>England analysis: Five main questions ahead of Friday&#039;s squad<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With only one set of friendlies 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