Thomas Tuchel has thrown a curveball into his World Cup squad selection process with call-ups for Ben White and Harvey Barnes... but can they make the plane? John Cross give his weekly player ratings.
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Thomas Tuchel has dug so deep for his latest squad that he has included names we had not even thought of. Fikayo Tomori, Jason Steele and then a recall for Ben White and a call-up for Harvey Barnes came straight out of left field.
England boss Tuchel did throw a curveball by naming 35 players in his original group for the friendlies with Uruguay and Japan, the last games at Wembley before the World Cup. But it does open the door to some surprise names having an audition ahead of the World Cup.
Tomori looked a forgotten man but has maybe benefitted from Trevoh Chalobah’s injury. Brighton keeper Steele is largely for training purposes only. White got the nod after Jarrel Quansah pulled out injured.
And then Newcastle winger Barnes was rewarded for 14 goals and turning down Scotland to concentrate on England. And despite all of that, Trent Alexander-Arnold still cannot get in! This is clearly all about Tuchel not fancying the Real Madrid full back because of his style of play.
He is a creator first, defender second. That is not the profile Tuchel wants. It is a shame for those of us who like style and flair.
Tuchel was at Wembley on Sunday to run the rule over England’s players from Arsenal and Manchester City. The big takeaway?
The England manager’s decision to split the camp into two squads makes perfect sense because a lot of those players look tired. And Nico O’Reilly looks certain to start at the World Cup.
John Stones cannot get a game even when Ruben Dias and Marc Guehi are unavailable - but will be on the plane to the World Cup for his experience and quality.
We should give a nod to Arsenal wonder kid Max Dowman. Not in the squad but Tuchel certainly did not close the door…
England Player Ratings this week
Here, John Cross, who was at Wembley for Sunday's Carabao Cup final, takes a closer look at the players on show and also updates the England player ratings ahead of the final get-together before the squad is picked for the World Cup.
Ben White
Fine. Got his chance because of an injury to Jurrien Timber and was solid enough. But this is way off peak Ben White, who formed such a brilliant partnership with Bukayo Saka down the right. Good player, just lacking minutes.
He scores low because he just has not played enough games to be at his best. As an attacking, overlapping force it is hard to argue that there are many better. But he just needs to get back into the groove.
It is hard to see him making it. Being realistic, he was a late call-up, down the pecking order and is not first choice at his club.
Declan Rice
I actually gave him a better score than most because he worked hard, put himself about in the first half and did well.
But as the game wore on, he looked as tired as anyone and there is such a danger here that he will be burnt out come the summer.
Personally, I think he is in the Footballer of the Year contenders. He is playing way too many games but somehow seems to lift himself most times.
It’s a 9 because of a 10 simply on the basis that one key player gets injured through too many games. Don’t let it be him.
Bukayo Saka
Mmm…. There’s been too many of these lately. Switched off on Nico O’Reilly’s goal and just did not create enough at the other end either. Disappointing.
He has not been at his best enough this season. I love Saka, one of my favourite players, but he has not delivered enough top performances. He probably does not make Arsenal’s top three players this season and that is a worry.
Saka is normally nailed-on to start every England game and remains in pole position. But his drop in form must be a worry.
Noni Madueke
Came on from the bench with Arsenal already chasing the game and there were few opportunities for him to change it.
His current form is fairly solid. But this is about consistency and opportunity. He is not getting enough minutes - behind Bukayo Saka, of course - to usurp his Arsenal teammate.
His lack of minutes remains a concern especially with Jarrod Bowen a first choice and key player for West Ham on their right.
James Trafford
Excellent performance. He was drafted in and amid Arsenal’s decision to pick their No2, this was fully justified. Good early saves and did not put a foot wrong.
His current form is few and far between. But this showed that he is ready when called upon.
He is probably leader in the club house now to be No3 keeper. Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson are nailed on. What the final showed was that even when not playing, Trafford is ready.
Nico O’Reilly
He scored twice, was brilliant from left back and also inverted into midfield. A brilliant, match-winning display.
There was so much to admire and love for Thomas Tuchel looking on. His physicality and strength also set him apart.
His current form has been good both in midfield and at full back. He is the best by far at left back if he is fit and in form.
Is clearly ahead of Lewis Hall in the pecking order and the championing of the Newcastle left back suddenly looks a bit parochial and blinkered. O’Reilly is leader in the club house.
Phil Foden
Sadly, coming on in the 89th minute barely gave him a chance.
He is just not getting enough minutes. He is supremely talented, one of the best players of his generation and yet is well down a tough pecking order at Manchester City.
His versatility and ability to play as a false nine as well as wide and a No10 may give him hope. But he is seriously at risk.
Have your say by selecting your World Cup squad below:
Jordan Pickford: 10/10
Dean Henderson 8/10
James Trafford 7/10
Aaron Ramsdale 6/10
Nick Pope 5/10
Jason Steele 4/10
Reece James 7/10
Djed Spence 6/10
Ben White 4/10
Rico Lewis 4/10
Ben White 4/10
Trent Alexander-Arnold 3/10
Nico O’Reilly 9/10
Lewis Hall 8/10
Tino Livramento 6/10
Luke Shaw 6/10
Myles Lewis-Skelly 2/10
Jack Hinshelwood 2/10
Marc Guehi 9/10
Ezri Konsa 8/10
Dan Burn 7/10
Jarell Quansah 7/10
Harry Maguire 7/10
John Stones 6/10
Fikayo Tomori 5/10
Trevoh Chalobah 5/10
Jarrad Branthwaite 3/10
Levi Colwill 3/10
Declan Rice 9/10
Elliot Anderson 9/10
Jordan Henderson 8/10
Kobbie Mainoo 7/10
Alex Scott 7/10
James Garner 6/10
Adam Wharton 6/10
Curtis Jones 5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White 5/10
Conor Gallagher 4/10
Mason Mount 3/10
Ruben Loftus-Cheek 0/10
Bukayo Saka 8/10
Noni Madueke 7/10
Jarrod Bowen 7/10
Harvey Barnes 6/10
Anthony Gordon 8/10
Marcus Rashford 7/10
Eberechi Eze 6/10
Jude Bellingham 9/10
Morgan Rogers 8/10
Phil Foden 6/10
Cole Palmer 6/10
Harry Kane 10/10
Ollie Watkins 6/10
Dominic Solanke 6/10
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6/10
Danny Welbeck 5/10
Liam Delap 4/10
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