England manager Thomas Tuchel has unveiled a refreshed 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 7 and a friendly against Senegal on June 10. The selection is notable for the absence of players from Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur, while striker Ivan Toney earns a surprise recall.
Key Highlights of the Squad Selection
- Ivan Toney’s Return: After a prolific season with Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, where he netted 29 goals in 43 appearances and secured the AFC Champions League title, Toney returns to the national team for the first time since Euro 2024. Tuchel expressed a desire to assess Toney’s integration into the squad firsthand.
- Notable Omissions: The squad lacks representation from Manchester United, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. Phil Foden requested to be rested to focus on his mental and physical well-being, while Marcus Rashford is sidelined due to injury. Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire are also absent.
- Debut Call-Ups and Returns: Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah receives his first senior call-up following a strong season. Conor Gallagher returns to the squad after impressive performances with Atlético Madrid. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson are back after recovering from injuries.
- Inclusion of Young Talent: Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers are among the young players included, reflecting Tuchel’s commitment to integrating emerging talent into the national setup.
England’s Upcoming Fixtures
- World Cup Qualifier: England will face Andorra in Spain on June 7 as part of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
- International Friendly: The team will host Senegal at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on June 10.
England currently leads Group K in the World Cup qualifiers, holding a three-point advantage over Albania.
Full England Squad for June Fixtures
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Burnley).
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Atlético Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).
Forwards: Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
Tuchel’s selection signals a strategic shift, focusing on form and fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The inclusion of in-form players like Toney and the integration of young talent suggest a forward-thinking approach as England aims to solidify its position at the top of Group K.
