Trent Alexander-Arnold was the biggest name that was left out of the squad against Japan. Will Tuchel consider his omission as an error and rectify it?
| 2026 World Cup England Squad Selection Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | 5/2 |
| Trevoh Chalobah | 6/1 |
| Dominic Solanke | 5/2 |
| Danny Welbeck | 6/1 |
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
Alexander-Arnold’s poise and vision could be vital this summer
Trent Alexander-Arnold was a surprise absentee from Thomas Tuchel's squad to face Japan in midweek. The Real Madrid full-back has endured an injury-hit first season at the Bernabeu Stadium since joining from Liverpool.
Tuchel evaluated the likes of Ben White and Tino Livramento, but neither could provide the solidity and creative spark that Alexander-Arnold offers when fit. Obviously, Alexander-Arnold's fitness is his biggest concern at the moment. After all, he's played just 26 minutes for England under Tuchel.
However, if Alexander-Arnold can finish the season strongly with Real Madrid, he would be in an excellent position to be selected for the World Cup.
Tuchel's first-choice right back, Chelsea's Reece James, is currently sidelined with an injury. This complicates matters greatly. If Alexander-Arnold can get back in Real's starting XI and play more, he'd be a versatile option to have in the squad.
Could Chalobah feature in Tuchel’s defensive changes?
On Tuesday, Tuchel chose to start with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa as his two central defenders. They appeared highly disorganised at times, as Japan surprised them during multiple attacking transitions.
The problem for Tuchel is that he does not appear willing to select experienced players such as Harry Maguire. Before the friendly match against Japan, he suggested that Maguire was not a priority regarding his defensive selections.
This opens the door to another wildcard option, with Chelsea's homegrown centre back Trevoh Chalobah now under serious consideration.
Chalobah recorded his sole senior England appearance under Tuchel against Senegal. However, that defeat to Senegal resulted in him being overlooked for senior squads.
Tuchel did indicate that Chalobah was preferred ahead of Maguire regarding selection for the tournament this summer. Yet the betting markets suggest that Maguire has a 69% chance of selection, compared to just 12.5% for Chalobah.
Solanke could benefit from playing under De Zerbi
Dominic Solanke has once again flattered to deceive in an England jersey. He was provided with an opportunity to prove himself as a reliable replacement for Harry Kane, but he failed to make a positive impact.
Solanke has scored just three Premier League goals in 12 appearances for Tottenham this season. The 28-year-old striker has not scored for his country during four international matches. However, there is still a possibility that his club performances could improve his overall season.
Because Tottenham have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their new permanent manager, Solanke could be given renewed confidence. He could possibly persuade Tuchel to select him for the tournament in the US if he successfully leads their attacking efforts to avoid relegation.
The betting markets indicate he only has a 28.5% chance of selection. However, with Ollie Watkins seemingly out of favour, the percentage should be closer to 40%.
Welbeck remains a serious option if Tuchel values attacking experience
Brighton’s 35-year-old forward, Danny Welbeck, has enjoyed an Indian summer at the Amex Stadium. He’s averaged one goal every three games in the last two Premier League seasons.
In fact, his 12-goal tally this season represents the highest scoring record of the Manchester-born striker's career. Although Ollie Watkins was left out of the March friendlies, it’s highly unlikely that he won’t get a seat on the plane to America.
However, there could still be an available position for a third central striker, especially since Kane and Watkins are currently struggling with their fitness
There are very few concerns regarding Welbeck’s fitness and durability. He’s played over 30 Premier League games for the last four consecutive seasons. The last time he played for England was in 2018. However, his return of 16 goals in 42 international appearances should not be understated.
The betting markets suggest he has an outside chance of being selected at 12.5%. Nevertheless, a few more goals for Brighton between now and May could make Welbeck even more difficult for Tuchel to overlook.