England's World Cup Squad Considerations Ahead of 2024
England has secured its qualification for next summer's World Cup following a victory over Latvia in Riga on Tuesday. This win allows head coach Thomas Tuchel to begin finalizing his plans as the tournament in Canada, Mexico, and the United States approaches.
Competition for positions in the squad will be fierce, and disappointment is likely for some players who have contributed to England's successful qualifying campaign.
As the countdown continues, several players will be eager to impress Tuchel as he evaluates the squad for the World Cup.
Jude Bellingham
It is hard to imagine that Jude Bellingham will not be part of England's World Cup squad. However, the Real Madrid star, arguably the most prominent name available to Tuchel, still has something to prove. Recent events suggest he does.
Bellingham was excluded from England's latest squad despite expressing his desire to be included. This has raised questions about team dynamics, especially with the impressive performances of Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers in the number 10 role.
The upcoming squad selection for matches against Serbia and Albania will focus on whether Bellingham is included. If selected, he will return with the understanding that there are no special privileges, and he must demonstrate his commitment to the team ethos that Tuchel values.
While Bellingham is likely to be in the starting lineup for England's first World Cup match, he needs to reaffirm his role within the team and prove he deserves his place.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer's journey with England has been inconsistent, highlighted by a brilliant equalizer against Spain in the Euro 2024 final, but overshadowed by moments that left fans wanting more.
Currently, Palmer is dealing with a persistent groin injury. His path to securing a spot in the squad will depend on his ability to perform consistently and impress Tuchel, especially in an already competitive area of the team.
With limited playing time under Tuchel, Palmer has much to prove. Competing for positions against established players like Bellingham and Rogers, he faces a significant challenge to regain a place in the squad.
Phil Foden
Manchester City's talented 25-year-old, Phil Foden, was notably absent from Tuchel's recent squad for the friendly against Wales and the World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
Foden has been working on regaining his form and confidence after a challenging previous season. As he aims for a spot in the World Cup squad, he must continue to impress and adapt to Tuchel's tactical requirements.
Historically a key player under Gareth Southgate, Foden's integration with Bellingham has been challenging, often placing him in less favorable positions. Despite his undeniable talent, he faces stiff competition for a place in the squad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold's hopes for the World Cup appear to be dimming, exacerbated by a hamstring injury that has affected his performance at Real Madrid.
Tuchel's recent selections have raised concerns about Alexander-Arnold's future in the national team, particularly after he opted for Curtis Jones, a midfielder, over him at right-back in a previous match.
Tuchel has emphasized the importance of defensive responsibilities for Alexander-Arnold if he wishes to be a part of the national setup. With Reece James also in contention, Alexander-Arnold may need to significantly improve his form to change Tuchel's mind.
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish has rejuvenated his career since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City, yet Tuchel has opted not to include him in the latest squad.
Despite being a fan of Grealish, Tuchel faces challenges in finding a suitable role for him within the team structure. Grealish, along with Palmer and Foden, will need to fight for positions either as a central playmaker or on the flanks.
To re-enter World Cup contention, Grealish must demonstrate consistent performance over an extended period, beyond his current form.
Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton has been a standout performer for Crystal Palace, showcasing his talent against top-tier teams, including a remarkable display in the FA Cup against Manchester City.
Despite his impressive performances, Wharton has yet to break into the England squad. His unique playing style may sometimes obscure his competitive nature, but he remains a player to watch as he aims for national selection.