By OkayGoal 
England boss Thomas Tuchel has named a huge 35-man squad ahead of international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley Stadium.
With the FIFA World Cup less than three months away, we look at the biggest takeaways from his latest squad announcement
Six talking points from Tuchel’s England squad announcement
Split squad
Tuchel has taken the novel approach of effectively picking two squads for these upcoming matches. The first half of the camp will give him the chance to look at players who he hasn’t seen up close, such as James Garner, whose recent good form at Everton has earned him his first call-up.
The second half will see 11 established internationals come in, giving them a rest before returning to the fold and mixing with some of the new group from Saturday morning onwards.
Tuchel could have easily stuck with continuity, calling up only the players most likely to go to the World Cup, but he’s given 13 players a golden chance to stake their claim. It will be fascinating to see which ones he retains and which ones he sends home for the Japan game, as it may offer to clue to his plans for the summer.
Here we go. It’s your #ThreeLions squad for March camp! 👀
— England (@England) March 20, 2026
No Alexander-Arnold
It’s not the first time Trent Alexander-Arnold has been left out of an England squad, but this feels consequential, even this far out from the World Cup.
Tuchel explained that he already knows what the right-back brings to the team, so he wants to use this opportunity to look at other options. On the face of it, he wants to expand their depth at that position, which makes sense after Reece James suffered another injury setback.
But it’s a peculiar decision given Alexander-Arnold has played just once for England since the German stepped into the dugout. If there were no doubts about his place at the World Cup, surely you would be calling him up to make certain he’s fully compatible with your tactical setup?
It’s an ominous sign for the 27-year-old, who has scarcely shown his best for the Three Lions and has failed to set the world alight since swapping Liverpool for Real Madrid. Don’t be surprised if this is Tuchel’s way of gently pushing him out.
Read – Why Alexander-Arnold and Watkins aren’t in the England squad
Mainoo returns
It was only a few months ago that it seemed like Kobbie Mainoo’s Manchester United career was all but over. An England recall was the furthest thing from his mind as he pondered the next in his career.
But Ruben Amorim’s departure and Michael Carrick’s arrival as the Red Devils’ interim head coach has resulted in a swift turnaround in his fortunes. He has started all nine matches under the new boss, forming a solid midfield partnership with Casemiro that has helped the team string together an impressive run of results.
The competition for places in midfield will be intense, but it’s a great sign for Mainoo that he’s back in contention.
Tomori finally gets his chance
There’s a smidgen of irony in Fikayo Tomori getting recalled for England duty at a time when the side is well stocked for centre-backs. The AC Milan defender has been left out in the cold for several years, with his last of his five caps coming in November 2023, despite performing well at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The former Chelsea player now needs to grab this opportunity with both hands, because there is an opening at his position ahead of the World Cup. Trevoh Chalobah, who has been impressive for the Blues this season, has sustained an injury that will keep him out for six weeks. He should be back for the last few weeks of the season, but there will be question marks over his fitness.
Tomori will be competing with Harry Maguire, who has been a reliable performer in the past, although not since 2024. The Manchester United defender missed out on Euro 2024 and will be hugely determined to win back his place in the squad. His experience at international level could give him the nod over Tomori.
Read – Tuchel explains England recall for Harry Maguire
Bellingham included despite injury
Jude Bellingham has been called up, even though he hasn’t played a minute of football since 1st February. Tuchel says Real Madrid are happy for him to join the camp and he hopes he will even get some minutes against Japan.
The two men have had an oddly fraught relationship that has sparked speculation over the midfielder’s future in the team, especially after Morgan Rogers started over him against Serbia last November.
Whether that was a power play from Tuchel or a genuine warning that his place is not secure, it would be silly to suggest that one of England’s most talented stars wouldn’t be on the plane this summer. Barring another injury setback, this confirms he remains firmly within the gaffer’s plans.
The Dominics are back
Dominic Calvert-Lewin got the call-up his displays for Leeds United this season warranted, five years after his last appearance for the national team.
This would have been almost unthinkable last year, when Everton let his contract run out after a number of injury-plagued campaigns. He’s managed to not only stay fit, but hit double digits for goals and put in some really strong displays even when he hasn’t found the net.
In a surprise move, however, Tuchel has also called up Dominic Solanke, who has spent most of the season on the treatment table. The Tottenham striker has only started seven games in the Premier League this season, but those have all come in the past two months since his return to fitness. He’s also scored six goals in all competitions in 2026.
This coincides with the decision to omit Ollie Watkins, who played a big role at the Euros. Like Alexander-Arnold, Tuchel knows what the Aston Villa star brings to the table, but his powers are evidently waning compared to previous seasons.
Notably, Tuchel highlighted Calvert-Lewin’s proficiency from the penalty spot, a quality Solanke also possesses. Watkins is famously poor at spot kicks, and England are involved in at least one shootout at almost every tournament.
“The competition is on,” Tuchel said. “They’ll now compete for minutes against Uruguay. They have a real chance to play, and of course, they’re excited about the call-up. They understand the situation and know exactly what’s expected, which gives them a real opportunity to earn minutes for England.”
Watkins’ position as Harry Kane’s understudy is very much under threat.
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