England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to confirm his final squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States on Friday 22 May. The announcement comes after a 55-man provisional list was compiled earlier this week, though not officially disclosed. Notable names believed to be included are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, and Alex Scott.
Squad Size and Selection
Tuchel can select up to 26 players, with a minimum of 23, including three goalkeepers. The final squad must be submitted to FIFA by the deadline, and Tuchel faces several tough choices, particularly in defence and midfield.
Key Players and Potential Absentees
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are expected to miss England's first friendly due to their involvement in the Champions League final with Arsenal on 31 May. Other Arsenal stars like Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze could also be absent. However, they are likely to be available for the second friendly against Costa Rica.
Pre-Tournament Schedule
England will fly to Miami for a warm-weather training camp on Monday 1 June, just a week after the squad announcement. Their first friendly is against New Zealand in Tampa Bay on Saturday 6 June. Four days later, they face Costa Rica in Orlando.
England's World Cup campaign begins against Croatia on Wednesday 17 June, followed by matches against Ghana on Tuesday 22 June and Panama on Saturday 26 June.
With several key decisions to be made, Tuchel's final squad will be closely watched as England aim for glory in the United States.
