England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to name a full-strength squad on Friday ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup qualifier against Andorra and a friendly versus Senegal in early June—despite mounting pressure from Premier League clubs concerned about player fatigue.
The six-day England training camp, which runs from 4-10 June, lands squarely in a jam-packed post-season calendar. With the FIFA Club World Cup kicking off on 15 June and several English clubs—Manchester City, Chelsea, and newly crowned Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich—set to feature, tensions are rising over the availability of key players.
However, BBC Sport understands Tuchel is unlikely to offer any concessions to clubs over player workload. The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss has made it clear from day one: every session counts.
“I have just 60 days and 24 sessions before the 2026 World Cup. That’s not enough, so we need to use every opportunity to build,” Tuchel said in March.
His hardline stance has already raised eyebrows. Big-name surprise selections such as Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, and Dan Burn in his first squad demonstrated that Tuchel is unafraid to ruffle feathers in pursuit of squad cohesion and readiness. Club concerns, while noted, are unlikely to sway the German tactician, whose sole remit is to win the World Cup.
The Club World Cup, set to be held in the United States from 15 June to 13 July, complicates matters. With Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid among the participants, the clubs are lobbying national teams—not just England—to rest key players in the June international window. The FA itself has acknowledged the calendar clash, calling it a “significant challenge” in balancing player welfare and the financial interests of clubs and governing bodies.
One of Tuchel’s biggest calls will involve Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. The midfielder, who is due to undergo shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup, is expected to play in the U.S.—raising questions about his availability for the England camp. If he’s fit enough for Madrid, Tuchel may expect him to report for national duty too.
Other high-profile players with fitness concerns include Phil Foden, who has struggled with form and an ankle injury since the Manchester derby in April. The Manchester City star has admitted to battling off-field mental challenges and said he could use a break. However, his inclusion in the squad remains likely.
Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, fresh off lifting his first career trophy, is expected to be involved despite facing another quick turnaround for the Club World Cup. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who missed Tuchel’s first squad due to injury, is available again. His teammates Reece James, Levi Colwill, and Noni Madueke, fresh from the Conference League final on 28 May, are also under consideration.
Tuchel remains resolute. “We’re in contact with the clubs and monitoring players closely. But we take care of our team—we won’t make unprofessional risks. That said, we’re not here to make compromises,” he said. “I never interfered as a club manager, and I expect the same in return.”
Beyond the regulars, Tuchel could hand opportunities to rising stars. Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, fresh from a superb season finish and his first England goal against Latvia in March, is a strong contender. Teammate Adam Wharton, now fully fit, could also make the step up from the U21s.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire may re-enter the frame after returning from a post-season club tour of Asia, while Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Ipswich forward Liam Delap are also under consideration.
With so many moving parts, Tuchel’s squad announcement on Friday will not just shape England’s short-term plans—it could set the tone for his World Cup campaign. And if his early decisions are anything to go by, expect bold moves and little compromise.
