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<\/p>\nThe England head coach will name his latest squad at 10:00 on Friday, 20th March, for friendlies with Uruguay and Japan \u2013 who will be in it and who will miss out?<\/p>\n
19:50, 16 Mar 2026Updated 20:08, 16 Mar 2026<\/p>\n
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Thomas Tuchel names his latest England squad on Friday as the World Cup<\/a> countdown continues.<\/p>\n And it should provide big clues as to how England are shaping up ahead of this summer.<\/p>\n England face Uruguay and Japan at Wembley in two warm-up friendlies later this month in the final international break of the season.<\/p>\n It is hard to imagine many surprises and we are unlikely to see major shocks despite all the chat around Arsenal\u2019s Max Dowman<\/a> and Liverpool\u2019s Rio Ngumoha.<\/p>\n But one big talking point is Trent Alexander-Arnold<\/a> and where he stands. He has struggled to convince Tuchel since he has taken charge and he has been struggling with injuries during his time in Spain.<\/p>\n However, Alexander-Arnold is back, playing and if he is starting games for Real Madrid, why on earth would you ignore him? Answer: you definitely can\u2019t.<\/p>\n READ MORE: The Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool wonderkids set to lead England\u2019s next generation<\/a><\/p>\n He is probably behind Reece James in the pecking order, but actually that could be one big talking point for Friday\u2019s squad, given James’ latest injury setback.<\/a><\/p>\n Chelsea captain James is now out injured for a while with a hamstring issue which Blues boss Liam Rosenior said could be for some \u201cweeks.\u201d<\/p>\n That has to be a major concern because of James\u2019 history with hamstring issues and may also see the door open not just for Alexander-Arnold but for Tino Livramento,<\/a> too.<\/p>\n The midfield may also be a congested area, but I really want to see Bournemouth\u2019s Alex Scott in the mix because he has been in good form.<\/p>\n Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson are surely stitched on, but there\u2019s lots of competition and there are a few others now vying for places.<\/p>\n What I really like about Scott \u2013 who was, of course, in the England squad just three months ago \u2013 is that he always looks forward.<\/p>\n Scott is fearless on the ball, he is ready to run with the ball and makes things happen. In the big shake-up for midfield places he looks such a good bet.<\/p>\n There was a rare mistake from Jordan Pickford against Arsenal, but the Everton keeper never lets England down.<\/p>\n OPINION<\/p>\n Alex Keble, football tactics writer<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/strong>: <\/strong>Your top 10 England players Tuchel should pick for 2026 World Cup squad<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The big mover, in my eyes, is Newcastle\u2019s Lewis Hall. He is pushing Manchester City\u2019s Nico O\u2019Reilly for the left back slot.<\/p>\n Hall is in good form while O\u2019Reilly keeps playing in midfield. Aaron Ramsdale is also playing so must have a chance as third choice keeper.<\/p>\n That right back slot is competitive with Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and also Djed Spence played his best game in a while for Spurs at Liverpool.<\/p>\n Jarrel Quansah also impressed for Bayer Leverkusen against Arsenal \u2013 can he make the squad? His chances must have improved. John Stones is back and available, while Harry Maguire must also be in contention, as he has been a rock for Manchester United.<\/p>\n A recall for Maguire would be some story and he is probably an outsider \u2013 but Tuchel will know he is a good character, reliable and is in good form. That is one to watch \u2013 even if the odds are probably against him right now.<\/p>\n Tuchel will probably pick at least 26 for the two friendlies but may opt for a couple more to allow for injuries and withdrawals. He will probably decide on numbers later in the week depending on how many players are doubts after the Champions League fixtures.<\/p>\n Content cannot be displayed without consentJohn Cross’s predicted England squad for Friday<\/p>\n Goalkeepers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Pickford, Henderson, Trafford<\/p>\n Right backs:<\/strong><\/p>\n Alexander-Arnold, Spence, Livramento<\/p>\n Left backs:<\/strong><\/p>\n O\u2019Reilly, Hall<\/p>\n Centre backs:<\/strong><\/p>\n Guehi, Konsa, Stones, Quansah, Burn<\/p>\n Midfield:<\/strong><\/p>\n Rice, Anderson, Henderson, Mainoo, Scott<\/p>\n Number 10s:<\/strong><\/p>\n Bellingham, Rogers, Palmer, Foden<\/p>\n Right wingers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Saka, Madueke<\/p>\n Left wingers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Rashford, Gordon<\/p>\n Strikers:<\/strong><\/p>\n Kane, Watkins<\/p>\n England Player Ratings this week<\/p>\n Here\u2019s John Cross\u2019s latest ratings for how likely each player is to make the final World Cup squad (ranked out of 10)<\/p>\n The players are ranked in order in their positions.<\/p>\n Goalkeepers<\/strong><\/p>\n Right Backs<\/strong><\/p>\n Left Backs<\/strong><\/p>\n Central Defenders<\/strong><\/p>\n Midfielders<\/strong><\/p>\n Right Forwards<\/strong><\/p>\n Left Forwards<\/strong><\/p>\n No10s<\/strong><\/p>\n Strikers<\/strong><\/p>\n Join our new WhatsApp community<\/a> and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football<\/strong> content. 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