England secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over Latvia, becoming the first European team to qualify for the tournament. Harry Kane led the scoring with two goals, taking his international tally to 76, while Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze also found the net alongside an own goal.
The qualification success now shifts focus to Thomas Tuchel's squad selection dilemmas for the finals in North America. However, the German manager's recent choices have sparked controversy, with several high-profile stars notably absent from his latest squads.
Guaranteed starters emerge
Kane remains the undisputed captain and first name on Tuchel's team sheet, with the manager even mimicking the striker's trademark celebration in training this week. Jordan Pickford, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka form the other certainties in Tuchel's preferred spine, provided they maintain fitness.
Elliot Anderson has emerged as a key figure after impressive performances across four consecutive games. According to The Standard, Anderson has won possession more times than any other England player in World Cup qualifying despite only making his debut in the fourth game. Tuchel sees Anderson as his "Rodri" - an anchoring midfielder capable of playing multiple positions.
Marc Guehi has overcome initial doubts about his aggression to win over Tuchel with his game intelligence and distribution. The Crystal Palace defender appears to have formed Tuchel's preferred centre-back partnership alongside John Stones, who the manager considers England's best all-round defender.
Major omissions fuel debate
Jude Bellingham's absence from recent squads has raised serious questions about his World Cup prospects. If Tuchel excludes Bellingham from November's internationals, it would represent "the death knell" for his tournament hopes, according to analysis of the manager's approach.
Phil Foden has not featured for England since March despite his return to form for Manchester City. His continued omission suggests others have moved ahead in Tuchel's pecking order, exemplifying the manager's belief that the best individual players don't necessarily make the best team.
Jack Grealish has never been selected under Tuchel, despite his improved form at Everton. The winger's prospects appear limited as the manager explores alternative options in attacking positions.
Emerging talents stake claims
Anthony Gordon delivered his best England performance in 16 caps during the Latvia victory, strengthening his case for World Cup inclusion. The Newcastle winger's timely display suggests he has moved ahead of several competitors for a place in the final squad.
According to The Standard, Djed Spence's versatility to play both full-back positions enhances his World Cup prospects despite competition from established names. The defender has impressed sufficiently to be considered favourite for a fourth full-back berth.
Morgan Rogers had appeared to grasp his opportunity in Bellingham's absence before a subdued showing against Latvia. However, his earlier performances suggest Tuchel will reward his contributions with squad inclusion.
November squad crucial
The upcoming November internationals will prove decisive for several borderline candidates. Tuchel's selections will provide the clearest indication yet of his final 26-man squad priorities for the tournament.
England's quest for their first major trophy since 1966 continues under Tuchel's leadership, with the manager facing difficult decisions across multiple positions. The German's emphasis on team spirit and character over individual talent has already reshaped England's squad composition significantly.
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "Metro", "The Standard" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
