England have qualified for the 2026 World Cup and, after tonight’s match against Albania, will not play again until the March international break. That means Thomas Tuchel will already have a good idea of the group he intends to take across the Atlantic in search of the country’s first trophy since 1966. The Three Lions boss has left out some high-profile names, and made some controversial inclusions, in his squads so far.

But despite leaving Jude Bellingham out of his selection for October, the Real Madrid midfielder is very much expected to travel next summer. Yet the German head coach cannot keep everybody happy and can only take 26 players to the tournament with him and his staff. So which players does Tuchel need to leave at home for the trip to the United States? The Express Sport team have their early say…

Charlie Malam

There’s too many other midfield and No.10 options who I rank higher than Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Adam Wharton is a must which means Morgan Gibbs-White is another unfortunate casualty in midfield. Jack Grealish hasn’t made any of the England squads under Thomas Tuchel yet despite his improved minutes and form at Everton and with only one international meet-up after this before the World Cup, the door seems shut for him. In defence, Dan Burn isn’t an elite left-back – Myles Lewis-Skelly, Djed Spence, Tino Livramento, Luke Shaw and Nico O’Reilly are all better – and he’s the fourth-choice centre-back at best. Is his set-piece threat alone worth him going as a wildcard? Possibly but he still misses out on my squad. Sorry Dan.

Dan Burn, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jack Grealish

Archie Griggs

Elliot Anderson’s emergence as England’s new midfield general means there should be no room in the squad for Jordan Henderson. It’s time for Thomas Tuchel to focus on the here and now, even if that involves making some tough decisions. With that in mind, it won’t be a surprise to see Jack Grealish and Ruben Loftus-Cheek miss out as well. Morgan Gibbs-White is a good player but England have such quality in that attacking midfield position that he won’t be needed at the World Cup.

Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Morgan Gibbs-White

Tom Parsons

Ollie Watkins has endured a difficult campaign with Aston Villa and was left out of England’s latest squad. Tuchel can’t afford to have any out of form players with him in North America, so the striker will have to miss out unless he rediscovers his scoring touch before the tournament. At the back, England should move on from Harry Maguire. The defender has served his country well but hasn’t been a nailed on starter at Manchester United for a number of years. He could lack the sharpness needed to win a World Cup with England. Meanwhile, Dan Burn doesn’t offer enough at left-back or centre-back to secure a spot on the plane. In midfield, Maguire’s Red Devils team-mate Kobbie Mainoo could also pay the price for his lack of minutes at Old Trafford as Tuchel should be relying on players who feature every week for their clubs.

Harry Maguire, Dan Burn, Kobbie Mainoo, Ollie Watkins

Jack McEachen

Unfortunately for a handful of players, they won’t be going to the World Cup because England have the most talented international squad since Spain’s iconic 2010-winning group. Ivan Toney was the perfect back-up to Harry Kane at the Euros, but going to Saudi Arabia has severely hampered his chances. Danny Welbeck would be my nod unless Ollie Watkins can return to form, but the latter is likely to make the cut. Similarly, Jordan Henderson’s England chapter should be closed, and an abundance of quality in attacking areas means Jack Grealish and Morgan Gibbs-White will draw the short straws.

Jack Grealish, Morgan Gibbs-White, Ivan Toney, Jordan Henderson