England head coach Thomas Tuchel is entering a decisive phase in shaping his squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. Before finalizing his official 26-man roster, the German manager is required to submit a preliminary 55-player shortlist to FIFA as part of the selection process.
According to reports, Tuchel is expected to send the provisional list on Tuesday, 12 May 2026, marking the first major step toward finalizing England’s World Cup squad. The deadline adds urgency as the former Chelsea boss evaluates both established stars and unexpected comeback candidates.
England’s Extended 55-Man List Sparks Surprises
The early squad submission has already generated strong attention in English football circles, with several surprising names reportedly under consideration. Tuchel is believed to be open to recalling players who have not featured for the national team in recent years, signaling a more flexible and performance-based selection approach.
This preliminary list will serve as the foundation for England’s World Cup preparations, helping the coaching staff assess depth, balance, and tactical options before narrowing it down to the final squad.
Fans are now eagerly waiting to see whether Tuchel’s decisions will bring fresh faces into the team or rely heavily on experienced internationals such as Harry Kane and other established core players.
Danny Welbeck Set for Shock England Recall
One of the most surprising developments is the possible return of Danny Welbeck to the England setup. The Brighton & Hove Albion striker has reportedly been included in Tuchel’s wider pool of players after being absent from international duty since 2018.
Welbeck’s resurgence this season has caught attention, with the veteran forward scoring 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions. His form has positioned him as a strong candidate to provide depth and experience in attack behind captain Harry Kane.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has also publicly praised Welbeck’s influence and professionalism, suggesting that the striker still possesses the quality required for international football.
“I asked the squad whether they believe Danny Welbeck could still play for England, and everyone agreed that he can,” Hurzeler stated.
Tuchel is reportedly looking for experienced attacking options who can contribute off the bench and offer tactical flexibility during high-pressure matches.
Defensive Reinforcements: Luke Shaw and Jarrad Branthwaite
In addition to attacking considerations, Tuchel is also focusing on strengthening England’s defensive options ahead of the tournament.
Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw is expected to be included in the preliminary squad after returning to consistent form at club level. Shaw’s last appearance for England came during the Euro 2024 final against Spain, but his experience remains highly valued within the national setup.
On the opposite end of the experience spectrum, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is also in contention. Despite struggling with hamstring injuries during the season, the young centre-back has impressed when available.
Branthwaite has only one senior international cap, earned in a friendly against Bosnia in June 2024, but is viewed by Tuchel as a long-term defensive project with significant potential for the future.
England’s Road to World Cup 2026
Once the provisional 55-man list is submitted, Tuchel will gradually reduce the squad to the final 26 players, with the official announcement deadline set for 22 May 2026.
England will then continue their preparations with two warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica. These fixtures are expected to play a crucial role in final tactical adjustments and player evaluation before the tournament begins.
At the World Cup, England will open their campaign against Croatia on 17 June, a fixture widely seen as a challenging early test for Tuchel’s squad.
In the group stage, the Three Lions will also face Ghana and Panama, creating a competitive environment where every player will need to prove their worth.
With places still up for grabs, the coming weeks will be decisive as players compete intensely to secure a ticket to football’s biggest stage.
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