The World Cup squad dilemmas facing Tuchel

Tuchel has begun contacting England players who did not make the final World Cup squad, with the 26 selected players to be announced on Friday. England enters the tournament as a leading contender for the trophy in New Jersey on 19 July. Selection decisions have been shaped heavily by injury and fitness concerns, especially in defense. John Stones, identified early as part of Tuchel’s leadership group, is unlikely to be guaranteed a starting role due to limited Premier League starts. Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa appear likely selections, while Harry Maguire’s international recall in March improves his chances. Jarell Quansah’s versatility may help, while Trevoh Chalobah and Fikayo Tomori face an uphill battle. Levi Colwill’s recent return from a long-term cruciate knee injury adds uncertainty.

"Tuchel has already started contacting the England hopefuls who have not made the cut. It's the call any player dreads - because even in today's club-centric landscape, representing your country at a World Cup remains the pinnacle. Tuchel's squad will be made public on Friday. For the fortunate 26, opportunity beckons England head to this tournament as one of the fancied few to lift the trophy in New Jersey on 19 July. But for those the England head coach rings with bad news, there will only be a summer with thoughts of what might have been."

"Some of Tuchel's biggest dilemmas have been in defence, where there have been injury and fitness issues. Centre-back John Stones, in normal circumstances, would have been one of the first names on the England manager's list. When he accepted the job, Tuchel identified captain Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Stones as the key members of his leadership group. The German, during the opening months of his reign, would stay in regular contact with the trio via text message - assuring them of how important they were to his plans."

"A fully fit Stones is a nailed-on starter for England this summer. But the 31-year-old has made just four Premier League starts this season. Central defenders Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa look certain to make the plane to North America, while Harry Maguire's international recall in March will increase the Manchester United man's hopes of a place. Beyond that; Jarell Quansah's versatility could count in his favour, while Trevoh Chalobah and Fikayo Tomori were both included in the squad for March's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan but face an uphill struggle to make the final 26."

"Levi Colwill, who has only recently returned from a long-term cruciate knee ligament injury, was included in Tuchel's extended 55-man party for the to"

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