As the 2026 World Cup approaches, England’s coach Thomas Tuchel faces crucial decisions that could impact the team’s chances in the tournament. The World Cup, set to take place next summer in North America, will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, marking an expanded format that allows more teams to compete. England’s going to the final! Yet, even with all this optimism, there remains a significant question hanging over this squad, and that’s the status of two linchpins Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
The draw for the 2026 World Cup has yet to be conducted, leaving fans and analysts speculating about potential matchups. Needless to say that many fans were shocked by Tuchel’s recent squad selections. He can be forgiven for leaving both Bellingham and Foden out of the most recent squad. This sudden move has now thrown their participation in the next round of qualifiers against Serbia and Albania into doubt.
Jude Bellingham has had a crazy stats season with his club, and continues to demonstrate immense quality with football’s biggest stars at the moment. His sublime form has hardly gone unnoticed and many would agree with us that a call-up to the national side is long overdue. At the same time, it has been an amazing thing to see Phil Foden rediscovering his top form under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. His own resurgence further buttresses the case for his inclusion in England’s World Cup squad.
Overall, despite stellar club form, Tuchel’s previous exclusions make this a daunting prospect for each player. The coach will name the final squad on Friday, after four further matches in the build-up to the announcement. Tuchel is probably most acutely aware of the increasing pressure as he continues to assess individual performances. He pays special attention to how each player figures into his grand plan.
It’s another selection dilemma for Tuchel. Midfielder Anthony Gordon will be unavailable having sustained a hip injury. The absence of Gordon would be a disappointment indeed. It would seriously dent morale on the squad, as they prepare for some pivotal World Cup qualifiers. The absence of these three players may break England’s rhythm. They’re doing everything they can right now to make sure their roster is playing strong heading into the World Cup.
The upcoming friendlies against Serbia and Albania offer important opportunities for players to show their worth. This will be an important period for Tuchel as he continues to hash out decisions. Each match offers a chance for players to prove their worth and secure their place in a squad that is already filled with talent.
As the world waits with bated breath for the squad announcement, doubts remain about Tuchel’s overall plan. Will he continue to reward those in unquestionable form, with Bellingham and Foden leading the way, or default back to his regular picks? Whatever is decided, these will be momentous decisions for the future of England. They’re preparing for the roster announcements and the theater of the qualifiers, with an eye toward the World Cup.
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