Tuchel’s squad, as is his habit, contains a surprise in the shape of Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, but the ominous noises he has made previously about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s lack of game time at Arsenal, where he has played only 463 minutes this season, have been confirmed by his exclusion – even though he started in Latvia.
This will give Arsenal’s talented 19-year-old food for thought if he has designs on playing for England at the World Cup.
Crystal Palace’s outstanding midfielder Adam Wharton may finally get the chance to show his quality at England senior level, with injuries and Tuchel’s previous decisions to exclude him meaning he has still only had 28 minutes as a substitute against Bosnia-Herzegovina in June 2024.
The speculation about a recall for Brighton’s Danny Welbeck did not result in his inclusion. The 34-year-old’s form is testimony to his endurance, quality and superb professionalism, but a comeback after seven years away from England would not have reflected well on the alternatives to captain Harry Kane.
The cupboard is still not overflowing with ready-made alternatives for England’s record goalscorer. Tuchel has left out Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, although he stressed he is playing through pain at present.
Marcus Rashford, undergoing a renaissance on loan at Barcelona, has the potential to play centrally, although Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon – who may still miss out with a hip injury – has been used in that position by club manager Eddie Howe but never looked a good fit.
Tuchel’s latest squad does not spell good news for two England internationals who will harbour hopes of going to the World Cup, Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and on-loan Everton forward Jack Grealish.
To cap a miserable week for Alexander-Arnold, who was given a vitriolic reception on his return to Anfield when Liverpool beat Madrid in the Champions League, he is again left out. His World Cup hopes fade further with every squad missing his name.
The same applies to Grealish, who has performed with credit at Everton, but not yet with enough sparkle to convince Tuchel he should force his way into a wide area where England are well blessed.
Bellingham, as ever, is the headline news – now he must demonstrate to Tuchel that England simply cannot contemplate winning the World Cup without him.
