Who should England take to the World Cup?
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Trent Alexander-Arnold omission
It's hard to see a way back for Trent Alexander-Arnold now. Given the players Tuchel has picked and the way he's shaped this squad, it's very difficult to see how he goes to the World Cup.
England squad selection
Thomas Tuchel has split the squad into two sections: 26 'possibles' who are competing to play against Uruguay, and 11 'probables' like Rice, Kane, and Saka who will join later. It's a way to see as many players as possible without the top stars breathing down their necks.
There's a really strong element of auditioning here. A group of players are effectively on trial, and that takes in how they train, how they play, and how they integrate as personalities in the camp.
England goalkeeper strategy
The fourth goalkeeper in the World Cup is a specialist. He will support the goalkeeper group, the coach, and the penalty-taking group, and take a lot of workload off the others. We need an experienced guy with the right energy and attitude, and Jason Steele is this guy.
John Stones role
Thomas Tuchel absolutely adores John Stones. Stones can do things that no other England centre-back can do. If he is in decent nick, I am convinced that he will be playing in the World Cup.
England midfield
Elliot Anderson has been the story of this England campaign so far. He's come from nowhere and is now one of the first names on the team sheet. He complements Declan Rice really well.
England tactical setup
I suspect only one of Palmer, Foden, Bellingham, or Rogers will start. Tuchel doesn't want to shoehorn the best players in; he wants players to have very specific roles. If I had to bet on the World Cup, I would go for Bellingham.
Bukayo Saka form
I worry with Bukayo Saka that he's been overplayed. He's been on this continuous cycle of football and looks like he needs a breather, but I'd be surprised if Tuchel moved away from starting him.
Kobe Mainoo form
It is crazy how quickly things can change. Kobe Mainoo was unable to get a game at club level and was totally out of the England picture, and now all of that has been turned on its head.
Ben White selection
I'd be surprised if Ben White ends up going to the World Cup. He wasn't in the initial 35-man squad, he's been a fringe player at Arsenal, and he has had injury problems over the last 18 months.
Danny Welbeck omission
I was really surprised that Dominic Solanke was picked ahead of Danny Welbeck. Welbeck has scored 12 Premier League goals, looks in great physical shape, and his experience would be good for the group.
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