Thomas Tuchel named a 35-man England squad with surprise omissions like Trent Alexander‑Arnold, Ollie Watkins and Luke Shaw. For punters: back Tuchel’s “core” starters (Kane, Saka, Rice) in lineup and tournament markets; avoid betting on omitted players to feature. Expect movement in right‑back and backup-striker props ahead of the friendlies and final World Cup squad markets.
Tuchel names 35-man England squad with several shock absences
Thomas Tuchel has named an expanded 35-man England squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan — the final camp before he must cut his list to 26 for the World Cup. The selection splits between fringe candidates Tuchel wants to examine and a core group he views as likely tournament contenders. Several established internationals were conspicuously absent.
Camp structure: fringe players and the core group
Tuchel revealed the squad will be split into two: a group of fringe players, including three uncapped names, to be assessed around the Uruguay fixture, and a core contingent to join up for the Japan game four days later. “This is our last camp (before the World Cup),” he stated, calling it the final opportunity to impress and compete for a ticket. He also warned that “no one is on the plane to America,” but the composition makes intentions clear.
Trent Alexander‑Arnold — a major omission
Club: Real Madrid Caps: 34 Last England appearance: Andorra, June 2025 Trent Alexander‑Arnold’s omission is notable given Reece James is injured. Tuchel has preferred alternatives — Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento and Djed Spence — and suggested he knows what Alexander‑Arnold offers and has chosen other profiles for right‑back. For now, the long-time Liverpool stalwart looks surplus to Tuchel’s plans.
Ollie Watkins — losing ground as Kane backup
Club: Aston Villa Caps: 20 Last England appearance: Wales, October 2025 Watkins, long seen as the primary backup to Harry Kane, was left out. Tuchel wants to assess Dominic Calvert‑Lewin and Dominic Solanke instead. Watkins’ dip in form this season has cost him, and unless his goalscoring improves markedly he should be concerned about his World Cup prospects.
Luke Shaw — career at England in doubt
Club: Manchester United Caps: 34 Last England appearance: Spain, July 2024 Despite strong availability this season, Luke Shaw has not been selected since Euro 2024. The emergence of alternatives such as Nico O’Reilly suggests Shaw’s international career may be winding down.
Other notable omissions and short analyses
Nick Pope — Club: Newcastle United; Caps: 10; Last: Germany, September 2022. Pope has been pushed down the pecking order, with five goalkeepers named and Pope absent.
Conor Gallagher — Club: Tottenham Hotspur; Caps: 22; Last: Senegal, June 2025. Tottenham struggles and Tuchel’s judgement leave Gallagher out of the picture for now.
Morgan Gibbs‑White — Club: Nottingham Forest; Caps: 6; Last: Wales, October 2025. Competition from James Garner and Kobbie Mainoo, plus recent selections, have limited his chances.
Harvey Barnes — Club: Newcastle United; Caps: 1; Last: Wales, October 2020. Barnes’ international prospects look slim; switching allegiance to Scotland may tempt him.
Jarrad Branthwaite — Club: Everton; Caps: 1; Last: Bosnia & Herzegovina, June 2024. Injuries have stunted his progress and he missed the cut.
Myles Lewis‑Skelly — Club: Arsenal; Caps: 6; Last: Latvia, October 2025. Lack of club minutes this season has seen him diverted to the under‑21s.
Alex Scott — Club: Bournemouth; Caps: 0. Despite consistent club starts this season, he was overlooked with experience and other options favoured.
Betting implications and markets to watch
Tuchel’s public emphasis on a defined “core” makes several market consequences likely: back established starters (Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice) in captain/lineup and anytime‑scorer markets for the friendlies and anticipate them being strong bets for World Cup selection. Avoid player-to-feature or score bets on those specifically omitted (Alexander‑Arnold, Watkins, Shaw). Expect volatility in right‑back and backup‑striker props as punters reassess minutes and squad odds ahead of the final cut.
What this means for the World Cup picture
The 35‑man list signals Tuchel’s preferred nucleus while still leaving room for late injury changes.
Players omitted face long odds to force a last‑minute recall, whereas those named in the core group have strengthened claims to one of the 26 tournament spots.
In CONMEBOL they declare Argentina two-time Finalissima champion: They say Spain refused to play
The friendlies are now the decisive stage for marginal candidates trying to alter that narrative.
Theathleticuk
