Countdown to the World Cup: England's Fringe Players Make Final Push
One hundred days remain until the World Cup kicks off, with Thomas Tuchel preparing to lead England's latest quest to bring football home. While much of the starting lineup for the opening match against Croatia appears settled—featuring Harry Kane up front, Declan Rice in midfield, and Jordan Pickford in goal—several squad positions remain fiercely contested. As the season enters its final two months, Daily Mail Sport highlights the outsiders striving to book their seat on the plane to the United States.
Striking Contenders: Calvert-Lewin and Welbeck Lead the Charge
The battle to serve as Harry Kane's understudy is intensifying. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left Everton quietly after nine years, has surged into contention with seven goals in six games for Leeds during November and December, making him the top English scorer in the Premier League this season. Despite Ollie Watkins' likely inclusion, Calvert-Lewin's resurgence offers hope for a striker last capped in the 2021 Euros quarter-final.
Danny Welbeck, at 35, continues to defy age with ten Premier League goals for Brighton, matching Calvert-Lewin's tally. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler praises Welbeck's peak physical condition, but with younger alternatives available, his chances appear slim despite his consistent form. Welbeck last played for England in 2018, and a recall seems unlikely.
Emerging Talents and Defensive Dilemmas
In a dismal season for Wolves, teenage sensation Mateus Mane has emerged as a bright spot, becoming the club's youngest Premier League goal scorer. Though raw and fearless, his youth makes a World Cup call-up improbable this time, but his future with England looks promising unless Portugal intervenes.
The left-back position presents uncertainty for Tuchel. While Miles Lewis-Skelly and Lewis Hall are prospects, Luke Shaw's consistency at Manchester United—starting every Premier League game—and his big-stage experience could prove invaluable. However, Tuchel has yet to utilize Shaw during his tenure.
Experience Versus Youth in Defence and Midfield
Harry Maguire, a veteran of major tournaments, offers leadership and set-piece threat, qualities Tuchel values highly. Despite not featuring under Tuchel, Maguire's form under Michael Carrick and his defensive prowess keep him in contention.
Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton's towering centre-back, combines composure with a left-footed advantage, though injuries have hampered him. He faces stiff competition from players like Dan Burn and John Stones, making the next 100 days critical for his chances.
Versatile Midfielders and Goalkeeping Prospects
James Garner's adaptability across midfield and full-back roles makes him a valuable asset, with elite ball-winning and chance-creation stats for Everton. However, intense competition in his position and a lack of prior call-ups hinder his prospects.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has revived his career at Everton, contributing goals and assists, but despite Tuchel's compliments, he remains an outsider. Similarly, Tyler Morton excels at Lyon with his passing precision, yet his World Cup hopes are remote despite under-21 success.
Kobbie Mainoo, at just 20, has Champions League experience and a Euro 2024 final appearance, earning Tuchel's praise as "absolutely back in the frame." His control and temperament could secure him a spot, especially with rivals like Elliot Anderson struggling.
Goalkeeping and Attacking Depth
While Jordan Pickford remains undisputed as number one, the third goalkeeper spot is open. Carl Rushworth's record-breaking clean sheets for Coventry make him a deserving, if unconventional, choice, outperforming options like James Trafford and Nick Pope.
Harvey Barnes' direct wing play and goal contributions for Newcastle align with Tuchel's preferences, but he faces fierce competition from Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen, and others, making his inclusion a long shot.
As the countdown continues, these outsiders must seize every opportunity to convince Tuchel they belong in England's World Cup squad, adding depth and competition to the team's campaign in the United States.
