England manager Thomas Tuchel has taken the first formal step toward the 2026 World Cup, submitting a provisional 55-man squad to FIFA ahead of Monday night’s deadline. The extended list, which will be trimmed to a final 26-man contingent by the tournament’s start on June 11, includes several surprise names and reveals the depth of defensive injury concerns Tuchel must navigate. With the Football Association planning an official final squad announcement on May 22, the provisional selection offers a fascinating glimpse into the manager’s thinking — particularly in the problem right-back position.
Among the most intriguing inclusions is Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was omitted from Tuchel’s previous squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. The 25-year-old looked to be facing an uphill battle for a place on the plane to the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Tuchel previously stating that Chelsea’s Reece James, Newcastle’s Tino Livramento and Arsenal’s Ben White were all ahead of him in the right-back pecking order. Even Jarrell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen, a natural centre-back, was cited as a preferred option for the role. However, a sudden cascade of injuries has forced Tuchel’s hand.
Arsenal defender Ben White is now a major doubt for the tournament after suffering a knee injury in Sunday’s Premier League win at West Ham. The versatile full-back, who has been a revelation since switching to right-back under Mikel Arteta, would have been a strong candidate for one of the defensive slots. His potential absence creates a significant hole in Tuchel’s plans, particularly given White’s ability to also cover centrally if required. Meanwhile, Tino Livramento is currently sidelined with an unspecified injury, though there is cautious optimism within the England camp that the Newcastle man will recover in time for the World Cup.
The picture is further complicated by the fitness of Reece James, Tuchel’s acknowledged first-choice right-back. The Chelsea captain has only recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff, raising questions about his match sharpness and durability over a condensed tournament schedule. All of this opens the door for Alexander-Arnold, whose creative passing range and set-piece threat offer a different dimension — but his defensive vulnerabilities remain a concern in a system that demands solidity from its full-backs. Tuchel will now work toward cutting his squad to the final 26, with right-back decisions looming as the most delicate balancing act.
Elsewhere, Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw earns a provisional recall despite not featuring for England since the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. The 29-year-old has been plagued by injuries since that night, but a consistent run of 36 club appearances this season for United — most recently in an advanced wing-back role under Ruben Amorim — has convinced Tuchel he is worth another look. Shaw’s experience and versatility make him a valuable asset if fit, and the provisional nod suggests he has leapfrogged other contenders in a position of relative scarcity.
Brighton’s Danny Welbeck also finds himself in the provisional 55, marking a potential international renaissance for the 34-year-old striker. Welbeck has not played for England since 2018, but his 14-goal haul for Fabian Hurzeler’s side this season represents some of the most prolific form of his career. While a final place is far from guaranteed — captain Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are likely ahead in the pecking order — Welbeck’s movement, link-up play and big-game experience offer a compelling case as a fourth-choice option or a wildcard off the bench.
Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who earned a first senior call-up in November but was subsequently dropped for the March friendlies, returns to the provisional list. The 21-year-old’s dynamic box-to-box style has drawn comparisons to Declan Rice, and his re-inclusion indicates Tuchel sees potential in him for the future — even if a final squad spot might be a stretch given the depth of midfield talent, including Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Kalvin Phillips and Curtis Jones. Scott’s ability to play as an advanced eight or in a deeper role adds tactical flexibility.
The provisional squad also features Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who has resurrected his career at AC Milan, and uncapped Crystal Palace centre-back Chris Richards, who qualifies through his London-born father. Tuchel’s willingness to cast a wide net reflects the unique challenge of a World Cup spread across three host nations and diverse climates, where squad depth and adaptability will be paramount. Injuries, form fluctuations and tactical tweaks over the closing weeks of the club season will all play a role in shaping the final 26.
From now until May 22, Tuchel and his staff will monitor the fitness of key men, hold conversations with club medical teams, and assess performances in the final rounds of domestic and European competition. The right-back conundrum will dominate discourse: if James proves his fitness conclusively, he remains the front-runner; Livramento’s recovery timeline adds uncertainty; and White’s injury may ultimately rule him out regardless. Alexander-Arnold — once a fading candidate — now looks likelier than at any point since Tuchel’s appointment to board the transatlantic flight.
The FA’s decision to keep the provisional list under wraps until the final announcement is standard procedure, but leaks and educated speculation paint a clear picture: Tuchel is preparing for multiple contingencies, trusting veterans like Shaw and Welbeck while hedging against further injuries in a compressed schedule. The countdown to the first World Cup on North American soil is well underway, and England’s path toward potential glory starts with the meticulous — and ruthless — trimming of a 55-name list.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
