Full Breakdown
England's 35-Man Squad for Friendlies Ahead of World Cup
3/21/2026, 6:40:32 AM
Overview of the Squad Announcement
England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced a 35-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31, as part of the team's preparations for the 2026 World Cup. This squad marks Tuchel's final opportunity to assess players before finalizing his 26-man roster for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Key Inclusions and Notable Returns
Among the notable inclusions are Manchester United players Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom have experienced a resurgence in form under interim manager Michael Carrick. Maguire, who last played for England in September 2024, has been praised for his performances, while Mainoo is set to make his return after a lengthy absence from the national setup. Additionally, Everton midfielder James Garner has received his first senior call-up, and Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been recalled after a five-year hiatus from the national team.
The squad also features Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele, who has not made a Premier League appearance this season but has been included as a training option. Other players in the squad include established names like Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane, who is expected to lead the line for England.
Squad Composition
The squad is divided into five goalkeepers, 11 defenders, eight midfielders, and 11 forwards. This larger-than-usual squad allows Tuchel to manage player minutes effectively during a critical stage of the club season. Tuchel explained that the decision to split the squad into two camps will enable him to evaluate players who have not featured prominently in recent matches.
Goalkeepers
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
- Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- James Trafford (Manchester City)
- Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United)
- Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders
- Dan Burn (Newcastle United)
- Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace)
- Lewis Hall (Newcastle United)
- Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
- Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)
- Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
- Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City)
- Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)
- John Stones (Manchester City)
- Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)
Midfielders
- Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
- James Garner (Everton)
- Jordan Henderson (Brentford)
- Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Forwards
- Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United)
- Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
- Phil Foden (Manchester City)
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
- Noni Madueke (Arsenal)
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
- Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)
Criticism and Exclusions
Despite the excitement surrounding the squad, some notable absences have raised eyebrows. Luke Shaw, who has been a consistent performer for Manchester United, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has recently returned to fitness, were both omitted. Tuchel acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions, emphasizing the need for competition among players vying for spots in the World Cup squad.
Conclusion
As England prepares for its friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, the squad selection reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent. With the World Cup on the horizon, Tuchel's choices will be closely scrutinized as players vie for their chance to represent the Three Lions on the international stage.
