Thomas Tuchel has reportedly selected a 55-man provisional England squad for the World Cup, with Danny Welbeck, Luke Shaw, and Jarrad Branthwaite among the surprise inclusions. The Three Lions boss must submit his preliminary list to FIFA by Monday evening.
Shock returns and new opportunities
According to The Telegraph, Welbeck, Shaw, and Branthwaite have all been given unexpected call-ups. Welbeck's last England appearance came in 2018 when he started a 1-0 win over Switzerland at Leicester City's King Power Stadium. The Brighton forward has impressed this season, scoring 13 goals in 35 Premier League appearances.
Tuchel is seeking a backup striker for captain Harry Kane. Tottenham's Dominic Solanke is ruled out through injury, leaving Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, Leeds United's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and wildcard Ivan Toney as contenders. Welbeck's form has caught the eye, and Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler previously endorsed his England credentials, stating: "I asked the squad if they think Danny Welbeck can play for England, and they all agreed."
Luke Shaw, who last played for England in the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, has been a regular for Manchester United this season and could earn a recall. Defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with just one international cap from a friendly against Bosnia in June 2024, has battled hamstring injuries but featured consistently for Everton when fit.
Road to the World Cup
Tuchel will trim the 55-man squad to 26 by May 22. England will play warm-up friendlies against New Zealand on June 6 and Costa Rica on June 10. Their World Cup campaign begins against Croatia on June 17, followed by group matches against Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27.
