Thomas Tuchel has named a 35-man England squad for the upcoming international break, offering a glimpse into his thinking ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Among those included are Everton midfielder James Garner and Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele, both earning their first senior international call-ups. This expanded squad, announced on March 20, 2026, represents Tuchel’s penultimate selection before finalizing his 26-man roster for the tournament.
The inclusion of Garner and Steele marks a fresh opportunity for the pair to impress Tuchel, who extended his contract as England head coach earlier this year, removing some uncertainty surrounding the team’s leadership. Gradient Sports notes that selecting the final squad will involve difficult trade-offs, particularly in midfield, but the current selection provides a broad base of talent for evaluation.
Returns to the Fold: Maguire, Mainoo and Tomori
Beyond the uncapped duo, Tuchel has recalled several players hoping to make a significant impact before the World Cup. Manchester United defenders Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo have both been included, signaling a potential return to favor for the experienced Maguire and a reward for Mainoo’s recent form under manager Michael Carrick. Mainoo, 20, has started all nine games under Carrick, completing 90 minutes in all but one, according to reports. AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori also earns a recall, his first appearance in an England squad since November 2018.
The recalls suggest Tuchel is considering players currently enjoying strong club form, and is willing to revisit options previously overlooked. The inclusion of Mainoo, in particular, is noteworthy given his recent resurgence at Manchester United. He has been rewarded for a return to the first-team picture at Aged Trafford, benefitting from a change in management.
A Surprise Inclusion: Jason Steele
Perhaps the most unexpected name on the list is Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele. Having played only twice in the Premier League for Brighton in the last two seasons, his inclusion has raised eyebrows. It suggests Tuchel is keen to assess all available options in goal, and is not solely relying on established names. The Athletic reported Steele’s inclusion as a “biggest surprise.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold Left Out
Notably absent from the squad is Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. The omission of the versatile defender raises questions about his role in Tuchel’s plans, and suggests he faces a challenge to regain his place in the national team. The decision to leave out Alexander-Arnold, despite the expanded squad size, is a significant one, indicating Tuchel may have specific concerns about his suitability for the team’s tactical approach.
Upcoming Fixtures and What’s Next
England will face Uruguay and Japan at Wembley Stadium during the upcoming international break, providing Tuchel with valuable opportunities to assess his players in match conditions. These fixtures will be crucial in refining his selection ideas and solidifying his tactical plans for the World Cup. The expanded 35-man squad allows Tuchel to observe a wider range of players before making his final decisions.
This is Tuchel’s final squad before the tournament, and the performances of those included – particularly the uncapped Garner and Steele – will be under intense scrutiny. The next major checkpoint will be the announcement of the final 26-man World Cup squad, expected in the weeks leading up to the tournament’s opening match. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to notice which players ultimately make the cut.
The England team arrives in the United States, Canada and Mexico with a strong qualifying record, having won all eight of their qualifying matches. However, the World Cup represents a new challenge, and Tuchel will be hoping to build on that momentum and lead England to a deep run in the tournament.
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