The clock is ticking for Thomas Tuchel. By 23:59 central European time tonight, the England manager must submit a provisional 55-man long list to FIFA, a procedural but pivotal first step toward the World Cup in the United States this summer.
While the long list is rarely made public by the Football Association, its implications are felt immediately across club dressing rooms. For the players involved, it is a signal to cancel summer holidays and begin the mental transition from club duties to the pressures of a global tournament. For Tuchel, it represents the first formal exercise in a balancing act that could define his early tenure with the Three Lions.
The central question haunting the selection process is not who is in, but who might be an unlikely addition. Specifically, the conversation has turned toward Ivan Toney, a striker who has spent the last year drifting toward the periphery of the national setup. After moving to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, Toney became a “forgotten man” in the English camp, having not featured for the national team since June 2025.
However, the numbers coming out of Saudi Arabia are tricky to ignore. Toney has quietly amassed 40 goals in 46 appearances, maintaining a clinical edge that could prove invaluable in a tournament where a single moment of individual brilliance often outweighs a tactical system. While the quality of the Saudi league is frequently debated, the sheer volume of Toney’s output, combined with his proficiency from the penalty spot, makes him a compelling wildcard for a manager who values proven finishers.
The Striker Dilemma: Depth vs. Specialization
Tuchel faces a complex tactical puzzle regarding his frontline. In previous tournament cycles, a 23-man squad typically limited managers to two specialist strikers, with versatility expected from the wide players. With the squad expanding to 26 this summer, the luxury of a third out-and-out center-forward becomes a viable strategic move.
Harry Kane remains the undisputed first choice, the focal point around whom the entire attack is constructed. But the search for reliable cover has been frustrating. In March, Tuchel experimented with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke, yet neither managed to seize the opportunity with a performance that demanded a permanent spot. Solanke’s prospects have since been further complicated by injury, leaving a void in the pecking order.
This opening creates a path for Ollie Watkins. The Aston Villa forward has been in exceptional form, though his absence from recent friendlies against Japan and Uruguay suggested he wasn’t an automatic lock. If Tuchel opts for three strikers, Watkins is the frontrunner for the second spot, leaving the third position as a battle between experience, versatility, and raw scoring form.
| Player | Current Status | Primary Strength | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Kane | Locked-in | World-class finishing/playmaking | Captain and first-choice |
| Ollie Watkins | Frontrunner | Current Premier League form | Tactical fit in Tuchel’s system |
| Ivan Toney | Wildcard | Clinical scoring/Tournament exp. | Lack of recent England minutes |
| Danny Welbeck | Possibility | Versatility/Veteran presence | Limited ceiling compared to others |
The ‘Tournament Player’ Argument
The case for Toney extends beyond his goal tally. Having been part of the previous European Championship squad and having scored in a high-pressure shoot-out, he possesses the psychological fortitude required for the World Cup stage. In the chaotic environment of a tournament, familiarity with the routine of a major camp is a tangible asset.
There is also the environmental factor. Reports regarding the extreme humidity expected at England’s World Cup headquarters—colloquially referred to as “corn sweat” conditions—suggest that squad rotation will be mandatory. The physical toll of the American summer means Tuchel cannot rely on a single striker for 90 minutes across seven games. A physical, experienced presence like Toney, who can change a game as a late substitute, fits the profile of a tactical insurance policy.
While names like Liam Delap have been mentioned in broader discussions, they likely lack the tournament seasoning Tuchel requires. Similarly, Danny Welbeck remains a possibility for the 55-man list due to his ability to cover multiple positions, but he lacks the current scoring momentum that Toney has built abroad.
The Road to June 2
The submission of the 55-man list is the beginning of a rapid sequence of events. While the FA will keep the long list confidential, the players and their respective clubs will be notified, ensuring that no one on the shortlist commits to post-season obligations that would interfere with national team duties.
The process will move quickly from here:
- May 11: Provisional 55-man long list submitted to FIFA (Deadline 23:59 CET).
- Next Week: England expected to internally confirm the final 26-man squad.
- June 1: Final squad officially submitted to FIFA.
- June 2: FIFA publishes the official final squads for all participating nations.
As Tuchel weighs the reliability of the Premier League’s current top performers against the rediscovered form of an exile in Saudi Arabia, the decision will signal his philosophy for the tournament: whether he prioritizes the safety of the known or the potential of a wildcard.
The next official milestone will be the public announcement of the final 26-man squad on June 2. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on Toney’s potential inclusion in the comments below.
