Thomas Tuchel has submitted a sprawling provisional World Cup squad, signalling a potential recall for several high-profile stars currently battling injury.

The road to North America has officially begun for Thomas Tuchel’s England. By the stroke of midnight on Monday, the German tactician submitted a 55-man provisional list to FIFA, a sprawling document that serves as the blueprint for his World Cup ambitions. While the final 26-man squad won't be confirmed until May 22, the inclusion of several notable names—some of whom have been in the international wilderness—suggests that Tuchel is keeping his options wide open as he navigates a burgeoning injury crisis in the defensive ranks.

The Alexander-Arnold Conundrum

Perhaps the most intriguing name on the list is Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Real Madrid defender has endured a complicated relationship with the national team setup, and his omission from recent friendlies against Uruguay and Japan suggested he was far down Tuchel's pecking order. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. With a 55-man list, Tuchel is essentially covering every possible tactical contingency, and Alexander-Arnold’s unique creative output remains a weapon that is difficult to ignore, even if his defensive suitability in a Tuchel system remains a point of debate.

The right-back position, once a source of immense strength for England, has suddenly become a primary concern. Reece James, Tuchel’s undisputed first choice, has only just returned from another injury layoff. Tino Livramento is currently unavailable, though there is optimism he will return in time for the tournament opener. Most damagingly, Arsenal’s Ben White has been ruled out of the entire World Cup with medial ligament damage. This vacuum of available talent has forced Alexander-Arnold back into the conversation, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic return to the world stage.

The Ben White Blow

While the provisional squad offers hope for some, it brings only disappointment for Ben White. The Arsenal defender’s resurgence in the international fold was one of the stories of the spring, but a knee injury sustained during the victory over West Ham has ended his season and his World Cup dreams. Arsenal confirmed on Tuesday that White is managing a recovery program with the goal of being fit for pre-season, a bitter pill to swallow for a player who had just worked his way back into contention after a four-year absence.

White’s versatility—his ability to play at both right-back and centre-back—made him an ideal candidate for a 26-man tournament squad. His absence leaves Tuchel with fewer options to rotate his backline during the grueling group stages in the heat of the USA, Canada, and Mexico. It also places more pressure on the likes of Jarrell Quansah, whom Tuchel has previously indicated might be ahead of Alexander-Arnold in his tactical thinking. The loss of White is a tactical blow as much as an individual tragedy for the player.

The Shaw and Welbeck Lifelines

Further up the pitch and on the opposite flank, Luke Shaw’s inclusion in the 55-man list signals that Tuchel has not forgotten the Manchester United left-back. Shaw has not featured for England since the Euro 2024 final, with injuries repeatedly stalling his progress. However, he has managed to string together 36 appearances for United this season, showing a level of durability that was previously missing. In a squad short on natural left-sided defenders, Shaw’s experience and delivery remain invaluable assets that Tuchel clearly wants to monitor until the very last moment.

Then there is the case of Danny Welbeck. The Brighton forward has been in sparkling form under Fabian Hurzeler, netting 14 goals this season. Despite his age and long absence from the national team, Welbeck’s knack for scoring important goals and his intelligent movement have earned him a spot on the long list. While he remains an outsider to make the final 26, his inclusion is a testament to his late-career renaissance. In a tournament environment, having a veteran goal-scorer who understands the pressure of international football is a luxury that Tuchel is evidently considering.

Alex Scott and the New Generation

The provisional squad also highlights Tuchel’s eye for the future. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is believed to be among the 55, despite being omitted from the most recent friendly party. Scott, who earned his first senior call-up in November, represents the technical, ball-carrying midfield profile that Tuchel typically admires. While the midfield is currently dominated by established names, the inclusion of Scott suggests that the door is not yet closed for the next generation to gatecrash the party if injuries or form dictate a change.

Tuchel’s management of this 55-man group over the next few weeks will be critical. He must balance the need for tactical cohesion with the reality of a long, punishing domestic season that is still taking its toll on his players. The Football Association has remained silent on the full list, preferring to wait for the final reveal on May 22. This period of uncertainty allows Tuchel to keep the pressure on his fringe players while giving his medical staff every second possible to assess the fitness of his key lieutenants like Shaw and James.

The USA Bound Contingent

As the plane across the Atlantic begins to fill, the stakes could not be higher. England enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the heavy favourites, and Tuchel was brought in specifically to turn talent into silverware. The depth of the 55-man list shows just how much talent is at his disposal, but the challenge remains the same: finding the right 26 to handle the pressure of the world's biggest stage. Whether it’s a veteran like Welbeck or a creative maverick like Alexander-Arnold, the final choices will define Tuchel’s early legacy.

The upcoming friendly schedule will provide the final clues, but for now, the 55-man list is a document of hope for some and a reminder of the brutal nature of the sport for others. As the medical reports continue to trickle in from Arsenal and Manchester United, the German manager will be carefully weighing every option. The road to the World Cup is never smooth, but with this provisional list, Thomas Tuchel has ensured he has plenty of spare tires. more football news on MATCHLINE