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Tuchel stressed that even though a 25-man squad has been announced for upcoming qualifiers vs Serbia national football team and Albania national football team, the door remains open for players not in that list to force their way into contention.
- He admitted he has a “settled mind” about his World Cup squad but emphasised the importance of maintaining contact with a broader group of 55-60 players beyond the immediate selection.
- “Anything can happen … The final nomination is only in May and until then, anything can happen,” he said.
- Young players, those lacking minutes at their clubs or outside the current squad, still have a chance if they show form and character.
Implications for selection
- A high-profile recall: Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden are back in the squad.
- Notable omissions: Players like Jack Grealish, Ollie Watkins, Myles Lewis‑Skelly, Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Morgan Gibbs‑White were left out.
- Selection appears to prioritise current form, attitude and adaptability, rather than purely reputation or past honours.
What to watch
- How the “long list” of 55-60 players evolves: Will out-of-favour players fight their way back?
- The role of younger or lesser-used players: Tuchel explicitly said he wants to keep the door open for those “struggling for minutes” at club level.
- Timing: While the immediate camp is for qualifiers, the next big selection point is the March camp, with the final World Cup squad due in May.
- Injuries, form, club-performance dynamics all remain relevant: Tuchel admitted “anything can happen” due to unforeseen factors like injuries.
In short: even if you’re not in the current squad, you’re not necessarily out. Tuchel’s message is clear: the door remains open—but it requires performance, readiness and seizing your opportunity.
