{"id":845475,"date":"2026-03-23T18:44:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T18:44:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/845475\/"},"modified":"2026-03-23T18:44:17","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T18:44:17","slug":"england-player-ratings-ben-white-and-harvey-barnes-gatecrash-world-cup-squad-contention-debate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/845475\/","title":{"rendered":"England Player Ratings: Ben White and Harvey Barnes gatecrash World Cup squad contention debate"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thomas Tuchel has thrown a curveball into his World Cup squad selection process with call-ups for Ben White and Harvey Barnes… but can they make the plane? John Cross give his weekly player ratings.<\/p>\n

Thomas Tuchel has dug so deep for his latest squad<\/a> that he has included names we had not even thought of. Fikayo Tomori, Jason Steele and then a recall for Ben White and a call-up for Harvey Barnes came straight out of left field.<\/p>\n

England boss Tuchel did throw a curveball by naming 35 players in his original group for the friendlies with Uruguay and Japan, the last games at Wembley before the World Cup. But it does open the door to some surprise names having an audition ahead of the World Cup.<\/p>\n

Tomori looked a forgotten man but has maybe benefitted from Trevoh Chalobah\u2019s injury. Brighton keeper Steele is largely for training purposes only. White got the nod after Jarrel Quansah pulled out injured.<\/p>\n

And then Newcastle winger Barnes was rewarded for 14 goals and turning down Scotland to concentrate on England. And despite all of that, Trent Alexander-Arnold<\/a> still cannot get in! This is clearly all about Tuchel not fancying the Real Madrid full back because of his style of play.<\/p>\n

He is a creator first, defender second. That is not the profile Tuchel wants. It is a shame for those of us who like style and flair.<\/p>\n

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READ MORE: Why Ben White snubbed England under Gareth Southgate after Steve Holland bust-up<\/a>READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel reveals reason behind brutal Trent Alexander-Arnold England snub<\/a><\/p>\n

Tuchel was at Wembley on Sunday to run the rule over England\u2019s players from Arsenal and Manchester City. The big takeaway?<\/p>\n

The England manager\u2019s decision to split the camp into two squads makes perfect sense because a lot of those players look tired. And Nico O\u2019Reilly looks certain to start at the World Cup.<\/p>\n

John Stones cannot get a game even when Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi are unavailable – but will be on the plane to the World Cup for his experience and quality.<\/p>\n

We should give a nod to Arsenal wonder kid Max Dowman.<\/a> Not in the squad but Tuchel certainly did not close the door\u2026<\/p>\n

Content cannot be displayed without consentEngland Player Ratings this week<\/p>\n

Here, John Cross, who was at Wembley for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, takes a closer look at the players on show and also updates the England player ratings ahead of the final get-together before the squad is picked for the World Cup.<\/p>\n

Ben White<\/p>\n

Match rating: 6\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fine. Got his chance because of an injury to Jurrien Timber and was solid enough. But this is way off peak Ben White, who formed such a brilliant partnership with Bukayo Saka down the right. Good player, just lacking minutes.<\/p>\n

He scores low because he just has not played enough games to be at his best. As an attacking, overlapping force it is hard to argue that there are many better. But he just needs to get back into the groove.<\/p>\n

Current form: 5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is hard to see him making it. Being realistic, he was a late call-up, down the pecking order and is not first choice at his club.<\/p>\n

England squad rating: 4\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

READ MORE: Ben White still has one major obstacle to overcome before complete England redemption<\/a>Declan Rice<\/p>\n

Match rating: 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

I actually gave him a better score than most because he worked hard, put himself about in the first half and did well.<\/p>\n

But as the game wore on, he looked as tired as anyone and there is such a danger here that he will be burnt out come the summer.<\/p>\n

Current form: 9\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Personally, I think he is in the Footballer of the Year contenders. He is playing way too many games but somehow seems to lift himself most times.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a 9 because of a 10 simply on the basis that one key player gets injured through too many games. Don\u2019t let it be him.<\/p>\n

England squad rating: 9\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bukayo Saka<\/p>\n

Match rating: 5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mmm\u2026. There\u2019s been too many of these lately. Switched off on Nico O\u2019Reilly\u2019s goal and just did not create enough at the other end either. Disappointing.<\/p>\n

He has not been at his best enough this season. I love Saka, one of my favourite players, but he has not delivered enough top performances. He probably does not make Arsenal\u2019s top three players this season and that is a worry.<\/p>\n

Current form: 6\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Saka is normally nailed-on to start every England game and remains in pole position. But his drop in form must be a worry.<\/p>\n

England squad rating: 10\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Noni Madueke<\/p>\n

Match rating: 5\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Came on from the bench with Arsenal already chasing the game and there were few opportunities for him to change it.<\/p>\n

His current form is fairly solid. But this is about consistency and opportunity. He is not getting enough minutes – behind Bukayo Saka, of course – to usurp his Arsenal teammate.<\/p>\n

Current form: 6\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

His lack of minutes remains a concern especially with Jarrod Bowen a first choice and key player for West Ham on their right.<\/p>\n

England squad rating: 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

James Trafford<\/p>\n

Match rating: 8\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Excellent performance. He was drafted in and amid Arsenal\u2019s decision to pick their No2, this was fully justified. Good early saves and did not put a foot wrong.<\/p>\n

His current form is few and far between. But this showed that he is ready when called upon.<\/p>\n

Current form: 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

He is probably leader in the club house now to be No3 keeper. Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson are nailed on. What the final showed was that even when not playing, Trafford is ready.<\/p>\n

England squad rating: 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nico O\u2019Reilly<\/p>\n

Match rating: 9\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

He scored twice, was brilliant from left back and also inverted into midfield. A brilliant, match-winning display.<\/p>\n

There was so much to admire and love for Thomas Tuchel looking on. His physicality and strength also set him apart.<\/p>\n

His current form has been good both in midfield and at full back. He is the best by far at left back if he is fit and in form.<\/p>\n

Current form: 8\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is clearly ahead of Lewis Hall in the pecking order and the championing of the Newcastle left back suddenly looks a bit parochial and blinkered. O\u2019Reilly is leader in the club house.<\/p>\n

England squad rating: 9\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

Phil Foden<\/p>\n

Match rating: N\/a<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sadly, coming on in the 89th minute barely gave him a chance.<\/p>\n

He is just not getting enough minutes. He is supremely talented, one of the best players of his generation and yet is well down a tough pecking order at Manchester City.<\/p>\n

His versatility and ability to play as a false nine as well as wide and a No10 may give him hope. But he is seriously at risk.<\/p>\n

England squad rating: 6\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n

READ MORE: Where to buy new England World Cup 2026 kits: Nike home and away shirts go on sale today<\/a><\/p>\n

Have your say by selecting your World Cup squad below:<\/p>\n

Goalkeepers<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n