With the domestic season coming to a close this weekend focus shifts to the next round of international football with England manager Thomas Tuchel naming his squad for June’s international fixtures later today.
Tuchel has overseen two wins from two since taking charge of the Three Lions at the start of the year and England sit top of Group K in Europe’s World Cup qualifiers. They defeated Albania 2-0 and Latvia 3-0 during Tuchel’s first camp with Myles Lewis-Skelly, Eberechi Eze and Harry Kane in particular impressing the German coach.
The next camp is preparing to face Andorra, who have lost both of their qualifiers so far, before an international friendly against Senegal which should prove to be a sterner test for Tuchel’s charges.
Phil Foden looks set to miss out on a place in the squad while he recovers from an ankle injury and it remains to be seen if Tuchel will persist with Marcus Rashford who has been sidelined with a hamstring problem.
We’ll have all the updates from Tuchel’s squad announcement and press conference with our live blog below:
England squad announcement LIVE
- Thomas Tuchel names England squad for June internationals
- Rashford and Foden miss out as full England squad revealed
- Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney recalled for first time since joining Saudi Pro League
- Adam Wharton, Marc Guehi and Jarrod Bowen excluded
- Trevoh Chalobah picked ahead of Harry Maguire
- England play Andorra in a World Cup qualifier and Senegal during the camp
England men’s squad to face Andorra and Senegal
12:48 , Mike JonesGoalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, loan from Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Thanks for tuning in
13:03 , Mike JonesThat’s everything from us today on Thomas Tuchel’s England squad announcement.
There’ll be a full analysis piece to come but our coverage of Tuchel’s press conference is now done.
You can see the full details of the squad above.
Thomas Tuchel explains decision to recall Ivan Toney to England squad to face Andorra and Senegal
12:48 , Jack RathbornThomas Tuchel insists he has recalled Ivan Toney to his England squad to “see his personality and his quality” up close ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Andorra and friendly against Senegal.
The Three Lions boss has shuffled his squad, making seven changes from the group that beat Albania and Latvia, and Toney’s return has seen forward Dominic Solanke drop out following Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League victory on Wednesday.
Thomas Tuchel explains decision to recall Ivan Toney to England squad
'Tuchel on good form, the enthusiasm is there'
12:36 , Jack Rathborn at WembleyTuchel on good form today and seemingly with a plethora of issues, both good, well, mostly good and some bad in terms of the condition of his players.
Phil Foden, Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton are all dealing with some issues, but the enthusiasm, as you would expect in just his second camp, is there.
The key to these camps and the short run-up for him, relatively, given his appointment only for the World Cup, is to settle on a style of play with the testing conditions expected next summer with the heat and humidity. Andorra and Senegal might offer a glimpse at how Tuchel's England plan to approach teams, regardless of the quality.
The profile of the squad, too, perhaps hints as much? The strikers are all in the latter stages of their careers, while Jordan Henderson remains a pivotal part of the midfield, despite his age.
Questions remain over Henderson selection
12:22 , Mike JonesJordan Henderson is 35 years old now and there will be some England fans questioning why he is in the squad ahead of promising youngsters like Adam Wharton.
Thomas Tuchel addressed those frustrations by saying: "I can understand it but once you meet Jordan and speak to him it is such an obvious choice.
“Maybe your perception seems far away from mine but I can understand the question. It is not Adam Wharton versus Jordan Henderson.
“What Jordan brings to the group an under-21 player cannot bring. It is just impossible from personality and experience.
"Jordan is also more than happy to accept the challenge and he wants no gifts and presents."
England boss Thomas Tuchel on Jordan Henderson being picked:
12:16 , Mike Jones"If we have a training exercise with different groups and you have a group with Jordan you can turn your back you don't need to watch,” said Tuchel.
“He will take care of all the standards in the group. It may be a possession game, a passing exercise, maybe the warm up but you don't need to take care of this group because Jordan takes care of it.
“He sets the standards. He is a natural leader and the others follow. That is why he is with us.
“He is doing this in an impressive way and still playing at a decent level. That is why there was not a thought to drop him."
Tuchel on players involved in Under-21s:
12:06 , Mike Jones"This is the last chance for them to be picked in the Under-21s. From September they fight for a place in the national team and fight against big, big players. They will emrbace playing the Euros with the Under-21s, that is what we want for them, to take a big responsibility.
"Newcastle won the Carabao Cup, Palace won the FA Cup and Spurs won the Europa League so a lot of players for them were involved in winning titles who are not used to winning titles so it is a big boost for us because they showed they had a winning mentality and they can bring it over the line no matter what.
"Being with the Under-21s will play a huge part in their development."
Is England's left side a concern for Tuchel?
11:59 , Mike Jones"Not a concern because we love Myles Lewis-Skelly,” the England boss said.
“We have Reece James who can play on the left side. Tino Livramento would have been a natural choice but we decided he play for the Under-21s. Not concerned. [Nico] O'Reilly for Manchester City lately plays this position.
"Players will come and players will show up. Luke Shaw was involved in the last matches and hopefully coming back to a best version of himself.
“Always we will find a solution."
'Chalobah is ahead of Maguire'
11:55 , Mike Jones"He is always in my thoughts because he covers the position as a central defender but also as a number nine, as you know,” Tuchel said when asked about why Harry Maguire isn’t in the squad.
“He is always a big threat from set pieces and he is a big personality and he steps up in difficult times as you can see in his club.
"At the moment Ezri Konsa keeps his place, Dan Burn has a left foot and keeps his place. We say at the moment Trevoh Chalobah a little bit ahead of Harry.
"I have a very clear picture of Harry and what he represents and what he can bring to a squad.
“I am not so clear how Trevoh will be in this enviroment and performance wise at the moment he is a ltitle bit ahead. He is involved in fighting for Champions League football."
Why did Adam Wharton miss out?
11:46 , Mike JonesEngland boss Thomas Tuchel spoke about midfielders like Adam Wharton missing out and said: "We had Adam Wharton train with us in the last camp. He was with the Under 21s but trained with us and was very, very good.
"At the moment there is a little injury problem - a concussion protocol going on from the FA Cup final.
"Together with Tino Livramento, Jarell Quansah, Elliott Anderson and Liam Delap - all names who could play a role for us but a major tournament comes up for the Under-21s and the intention is they play a big part in this tournament.
"I like it a lot that they have chances to be leaders in this group, to be players we hopefully will rely on. We will monitor them closely but we decided that with these players they take the responsibility for the Under-21s.
'Alexander-Arnold is a special player'
11:38 , Mike Jones"Hopefully we get the best out of him. There can not be any doubt about his talent,” revealed Tuchel about the departing Liverpool right-back.
“He is a pretty special player and kind of a unique player. I would say he is a right full-back, that is his position. The way he plays that position is maybe very unorthodox because he has this special talent and special vibe around his game. It is maybe also on us to adapt to him as it is on him to adapt to us.
"I am very happy he is ready to be picked and he was very happy to come and happy to get to know me and be around the players.
"He won another major trophy and he was hugely involved in this unbelievable campaign for Liverpool. He is a winner and we are very positive. I am happy he is back."
Is the Club World Cup a tournament too far?
11:36 , Mike JonesTuchel gave his thoughts on Fifa’s new tournament and says that there is no point in complaining about it.
He said: "It is a massive tournament, a new one, a lot of travelling and it is very long. That is the calendar nowadays I think once the players are there they will love and embrace the challenge to play against teams they have maybe never played before.
"The Club World Cup that I played in before was very different and maybe this will change perception. Let's see.
"It is not worth complaining, it is the schedule and we have to find the best solutions within the schedule for the players. Because I was in club football we will take care of the minutes of the players if we can. Spending time together was very important for us."
Tuchel speaks about the June window
11:35 , Mike JonesThe Three Lions boss said: “The more experience I got the more calm I was with these periods [of international football as a club manager].
“I understood how much it means to players. I tell you very openly and honest, our players are proud to come to camp even if it’s an extra travel arrangement or extra games in the schedule.
“The June window is never an easy window for the players who are involved in European competitions - Champions League, Europa League etc.
“Some players already had a little bit of holiday, some players like the Chelsea ones play on Wednesday in major finals. Everyone is keen to have free days and then comes the nomination [to play for England].
“Overall everyone is excited, players want to come and they are desperate to come and that’s the feeling we want. It’s kind of new, our second camp together and that’s the excitement.”
Has Tuchel been asked to leave players out?
11:29 , Mike JonesThat was one of the questions posed to the England boss especially with concerns to the teams playing in the Club World Cup.
He replied: "No. I never did this as a club manager because I always respected the international duties and the wish of the players to represent their country. It is an honour and a privilege and I always respected that.
"I had the feeling that everyone respects our decisions. The clubs reach out of course to the federation to understand what we are planning but everyone knows and accepts it is our choice."
Chalobah deserves it
11:27 , Mike JonesTuchel said: "On Trevoh he deserves it. Easy at that. He has played a fantastic second half of the season with Chelsea.
“He has been very consistent at a very high level."
Guehi's eye injury keeps him out of the squad
11:26 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel says that he has followed medical advice concerning Marc Guehi and his eye injury in not selecting him for the camp in June.
The England boss said: “Marc was normally meant to be with us because he’s the captain of Palace and they had a huge title here at Wembley in the FA Cup. He’s a big part of this success story and had a good period after camp.
“He got injured in the FA Cup final and it’s a facial injury and the eye is involved. The eye specialist told us to not take the risk, that was the advice and we followed the advice.”
Will Trent Alexander-Arnold play in midfield?
11:19 , Mike JonesGareth Southgate decided to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield towards the end of his reign and Thomas Tuchel was asked where he feels Alxander-Arnold’s best position is.
Tuchel said: “Special, unique. I would say he is a right full-back. That is his position.
“The way he plays right full-back is unorthodox, he has a special vibe, he was very happy to come. We are excited to have this chance.
“He won another major trophy. He was hugely involved in this unbelievable campaign. We are very positive about it. I am happy that he’s back.”
Tuchel on Ben White
11:17 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel said: "He was involved in the latest matches of Arsenal but we had a talk and decided now is not the moment because he will become a father very soon, the baby is due right on the exact date of the camp. It is his first child and we wish him and his wife all the best.
"We thought if he comes back it should be with a clear mind and full focus on football which is now not the case. We decided together this is not the camp for him to come back.
"The second reason is although he played lately I think he can still have 10-15% increase in the physical ability. Given all the circumstances we decided that he is not with us.
"100%. He was ready to be selected now but the main was because of family."
'Maguire is always in my thoughts'
11:16 , Mike JonesHarry Maguire has been excluded from the squad again but Thomas Tuchel confirms that the Manchester United defender remains in his thoughts.
Tuchel says he thinks he has a clear idea of what Maguire can bring to the squad but believes Trevoh Chalobah to be slightly ahead of him at this moment.
Will Club World Cup players leave early?
11:13 , Mike JonesAnother issue Thomas Tuchel has to juggle is how to handle the players in his squad that have to play in the Club World Cup this summer.
"We will start the camp with 26 players and finish with the same 26 as well,” Tuchel said confirming and none of his players would leave early.
"I was an advocate and I could see the reason for the players who go to the Club World Cup to maybe leave a little earlier, to maybe change the squad. We had discussions if maybe we chose a squad without Club World Cup players.
"The discussion was very open. Very quickly we also understood this is a very important camp for us with one year to go until the Word Cup. Why send players if we want to cherish every day we have together. What signal would it send to the group to send players away?
"I can understand the argument from especially the clubs who would love to see the players get a rest but we have a strong argument for ourselves and our goals we want to reach. We are building a group and a togetherness. We want to develop a camaraderie and it is only possible if we take every day seriously.
"We will try to manage the minutes of the players of course."
Ben White omission addressed
11:10 , Mike JonesTuchel also spoke about why Ben White has not been included in the squad and says it is ‘not the moment’ for him as he is about to become a father and wants his focus on that.
He confirmed that White is ready for a return and will be available for selection in later camps.
'Ivan deserves to be with us'
11:08 , Mike JonesOn Ivan Toney’s inclusion, Thomas Tuchel said: “First of all Ivan deserves to be with us and I’m convinced because he scored over 20 goals for Al-Ahli this season, he won a major title with the Asian Champions League and had a big involvement in the team with goals and assists.
“I told you last time I will try to put a visit in my schedule to visit him in Saudi which I did not make. I thought why not let him travel to us. It’s a good occasion now to test new players and see new players, meet Ivan in person and see him in the environment.
“We decided to bring three strikers with Harry [Kane] and Ollie Watkins and I had a call with Dominick Solanke who deserved to be with us.”
Tuchel to speak to the media soon
11:03 , Jack Rathborn at WembleyThomas Tuchel will speak to the media shortly and the England boss has already been frank about the trend in his selections.
There's a certain convenience to some of his selections, such as Ivan Toney, who will probably feel the training sessions are equally important to his Three Lions future as the games against Andorra and Senegal.
That's because Tuchel will be watching him like a hawk to see how he integrates and also his up-close movements that can only be seen by in-person scouting, with Tuchel honest enough to admit he could not travel to Saudi Arabia to take in an Al-Ahli game.
Elsewhere, perhaps quiet form has been rewarded in the form of Trevoh Chalobah, who has adapted well to life back at Chelsea since a Crystal Palace loan spell and his versatility in theory makes him a valuable tournament pick
Thomas Tuchel on calling-up Trevoh Chalobah
11:00 , Mike Jones“We have some injuries in the central defender position and Trevoh stepped up massively since he came back to Chelsea.
“Since the last camp and even before he was on our radar but in the last month he had a major contribution to the run of Chelsea. They are still fighting for Champions League and he was one of their most consistent and best defenders.
“We think he deserves the call up and maybe he gets his first cap.”
Tuchel to address the media
10:55 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel is set to hold a press conference at 11am and will explain some of the more controversial decisions he’s made with this squad.
I’d expect updates on Ivan Toney, Adam Wharton, Marc Guehi and Jarrod Bowen.
Thomas Tuchel explains decision to recall Ivan Toney to England squad to face Andorra and Senegal
10:51 , Jack RathbornThomas Tuchel insists he has recalled Ivan Toney to his England squad to “see his personality and his quality” up close ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Andorra and friendly against Senegal.
The Three Lions boss has shuffled his squad, making seven changes from the group that beat Albania and Latvia, and Toney’s return has seen forward Dominic Solanke drop out following Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League victory on Wednesday.
Toney, who has impressed for Saudi side Al-Ahli since a big-money move from Brentford last summer, has scored 28 goals in 42 games across all competitions en route to winning the Asian Champions League.
Thomas Tuchel explains decision to recall Ivan Toney to England squad
Henderson sets World Cup aim
10:47 , Mike JonesDean Henderson, who has won two caps for England, has his sights set on reaching the World Cup next year.
The Crystal Palace goalkeeper said: “I would like to think (I’m going). Obviously that’s an aim of mine.
“I obviously got my first taste of it (playing for England). I want the next taste of it.
“That’s something I’ve been working towards for many years now and fingers crossed I can get the opportunity soon.”
Guehi left out due to injury
10:43 , Mike JonesMarc Guehi spent Saturday night in hospital after picking up an eye injury in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
He was diagnosed with severe bruising and Thomas Tuchel did not want to risk further injury to the defender.
Tuchel rang him on Thursday to explain the decision and confirm that Guehi is still very much in his plans for England.
Tuchel explains Toney recall
10:35 , Mike Jones"We follow him closely, like all the players on our list, same for Ivan,” Thomas Tuchel explained about bringing Ivan Toney back into the England fold.
“We watched him a lot, he had massive contributions and decisive goals in important matches, he won a big title with his club, the Asian Champions League.
“I didn't have the opportunity to see him live in Saudi, so we took the opportunity to fly him into our camp and watch him in the group, see his personality and his quality.
“He'll compete with Harry, of course, our No. 9, and Ollie Watkins, we have three strikers.”
Squad set for June meet up
10:33 , Mike JonesThe squad will meet up in early June and travel to Spain to prepare for the Andorra game, before returning for their game against Senegal at the City Ground immediately after that.
England face Andorra on Saturday 7 June at 5pm before facing Senegal on Tuesday 10 June.
Dean Henderson eyes World Cup chance with England after FA Cup final heroics
10:30 , Mike JonesDean Henderson vowed to push for more England action after his penalty-saving heroics helped inspire Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory and their first major silverware.
Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute strike proved the winner in the 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Wembley, but the south Londoners’ unprecedented evening might have turned out differently had Henderson not stopped Omar Marmoush’s spot-kick shortly after the half hour.
The 28-year-old goalkeeper, who survived a VAR review over a possible red card for handling the ball outside his area when challenging Erling Haaland before his penalty save, was a standout performer, contributing number of key saves under the watchful eye of England boss Thomas Tuchel.
Dean Henderson eyes World Cup chance with England after FA Cup final heroics
Wharton to be included in Under-21 squad
10:23 , Mike JonesPerhaps the biggest omissions in terms of form concern Adam Wharton and Marc Guehi.
Both have knocks after the FA Cup final which may be playing into Tuchel’s decision to exclude them.
However, Wharton is set be named in Lee Carsley’s Under-21s squad today and will travel with them for their European Championship campaign.
Some stats behind Chalobah’s season with Chelsea:
10:21 , Mike JonesHe has made 31 successful tackles this season.
Recorded 104 clearances.
Won 45 aerial battles.
Conceded zero penalties.
Will Chalobah win first cap?
10:20 , Mike JonesIt’s been a remarkable tunraround for Trevoh Chalobah.
Initially exiled from Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea squad on loan he returned and has made himself an indisposable member of the back line.
Chalobah is arguably a candidate for player of the season at Stamford Bridge and the result is an England call-up.
He is the only member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad not yet to receive a cap but could line-up against Andorra for the first match next month.
Bowen's dropped from squad
10:14 , Mike JonesJarrad Bowen can perhaps feel the most aggrieved at missing out on a place in the squad.
He’s been in decent form for West Ham having scored four goals and created two assists in his last five matches - for a total of 19 Premier League goal involvements this season.
The Hammers are enduring a lean spell in the league this year but Bowen has been a stand out for them.
Still no Ben White
10:10 , Mike JonesA curious case as Thomas Tuchel said that the door would be open for Ben White to return to the England set up under his tenure.
In March last year Gareth Southgate revealed that White had made himself unavailable to be selected for England.
Tuchel had talks with the Arsenal defender who seemed open to a return earlier this year but injuries and a long lay-off have seemingly set back his return to the fold.
Ivan Toney earns recall
10:07 , Mike JonesIvan Toney’s move from Brentford to the Saudi Pro League seemingly reduced his chances of earning an England place but that hasn’t been the case.
He's made 29 appearances in all competitions for Al-Ahli, scoring 22 goals.
His record puts him second in the top scorer charts in the division, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo.
Surprising but expected omissions
10:05 , Mike JonesThe squad has been revealed for England’s June internationals and there hasn’t been too many surprises.
Crystal Palace duo Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton would both have been in with a shout but picked up injuries during the FA Cup win against Manchester City.
Likewise, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford are nursing niggles and have been omitted from the squad.
From the previous squad announcement, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and Newcastle’s Tino Livramento have been dropped while Jacob Murphy hasn’t been award a place.
England squad revealed
10:00 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel’s England squad for June Internationals:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, on loan from Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Thomas Tuchel shown the frustration of international football despite another England win
09:52 , Miguel DelaneyThomas Tuchel’s otherwise forgettable second win at least brought some memorable firsts. Both Reece James and Eberechi Eze opened their international goalscoring accounts, to secure a 3-0 win over Latvia.
In between, Harry Kane of course got his 71st goal, but this didn’t quite become the stat-padding some might have expected.
Latvia didn’t let it. They made England really work for any opening, which in turn made James’s goal all the more valuable.
Thomas Tuchel shown frustration of international football despite England win
Foden on season of struggles
09:46 , Mike Jones“It’s been a frustrating season for me,” Phil Foden continued when speaking about his summer rehabilitation plans.
“I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. It’s one of them, sometimes there’s things in life that are bigger than football.
“This season I’ve struggled a little bit. Hopefully, come next year, I can get my head mentally right, get back where I left the season before, because I know what I’m capable of doing and the quality I have.
“I know if everything was okay, I’d definitely be better on the field. Sometimes things happen and you have to deal with it and move on.”
Foden to prioritise mental health?
09:41 , Mike JonesPhil Foden’s confidence has been knocked this season by a nagging ankle injury which hasn’t allowed him to perform to his previously high levels.
He has spoken about the toll the injury has taken on his mental health and as such hopes to use the summer to fully recuperate both physically and mentally.
But there is little time in the schedule with England playing internationals in June and Man City needing to play in the Club World Cup.
Foden is considering sitting out of both camps to prioritise his mental well being but hasn’t made a decision yet.
He said: “It’s a difficult situation for me with the internationals right around the corner. It’s something we have to speak with the club and national team to see, maybe, if it’s better to rest and get my ankle fully 100 per cent back how I want it.
“I just need a few weeks off it without playing football and obviously I can’t get it at the moment. It’s a bit frustrating to play with niggles like this. It’s getting better and stronger each day.”
Phil Foden may miss Club World Cup and upcoming England games to manage ankle injury
09:35 , Richard JollyPhil Foden believes he may need to miss England’s summer internationals and the Club World Cup to allow his ankle problem to heal, as he admitted to struggling mentally with issues both on and off the pitch during a difficult season.
The Manchester City player attributed a “frustrating” year to injury and other factors, as he opened up about the toughest campaign of his career.
Phil Foden may miss Club World Cup and upcoming England games to manage ankle injury
Dan Ashworth returns to FA as new role revealed after Manchester United exit
09:29 , Mike JonesFormer Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has returned to the Football Association after being appointed chief football officer.
The 54-year-old served as the governing body’s director of elite development between 2013 and 2018 before taking positions at Brighton and Newcastle ahead of an ill-fated five-month stay at Old Trafford which ended in December.
The newly-created role will see Ashworth take oversight of the England men’s and women’s teams.
Dan Ashworth returns to FA as new role revealed after Manchester United exit
Tuchel on playing at Villa Park
09:23 , Mike JonesWhen England face Andorra at Villa Park in September it will be the second meeting between the teams (following June’s clash) and the second outing away from Wembley for Tuchel’s Three Lions.
Nottingham Forest’s City Ground is staging June’s meeting with Senegal on Tuesday 10 June.
Tuchel said: “We're excited to play at Villa Park; another stadium full of history.
“I know from my own visits to the stadium this season that it is capable of creating an outstanding atmosphere and is located close to St. George’s Park which is a positive for our preparation.
“We hope to be able to generate another special atmosphere and create a memorable occasion for all fans.”
England to face Andorra at Villa Park
09:17 , Mike JonesVilla Park will host England’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday 6 September (5pm BST kick-off).
The fixture will be the Three Lions’ fourth game on the road to Canada, Mexico and the United States.
It will be the first time in over 20 years that the home of Aston Villa has hosted a senior men’s international with the last being a goalless draw with the Netherlands in February 2005.
In total, Villa Park has welcomed the Three Lions on nine previous occasions with the first of those against Scotland in April 1899.
Thomas Tuchel explains what England were missing at Euro 2024: ‘They were afraid’
09:11 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel maintains England were “afraid” at last summer’s Euro 2024 following an agonising defeat in the final to Spain.
The Three Lions boss is adamant his side can find the missing piece on the road to the 2026 World Cup, hoping to discover “excitement”.
And Tuchel will be able to showcase his vision of England for the first time on Friday when England face Albania, though he remained emphatic when assessing where Gareth Southgate’s side fell short a year ago.
Thomas Tuchel explains what England were missing at Euro 2024: ‘They were afraid’
Henderson to be included again?
09:02 , Mike JonesWill Jordan Henderson be called up to the England squad again?
That is another question waiting to be answered by today’s squad announcement.
It was a surprise to see the former Liverpool captain included back in March but Thomas Tuchel explained his reasoning.
“Why Jordan? Easy one,” said Tuchel. “He’s a serial winner, captain of Ajax, always available, played a lot of matches and played in the European Cup.
“What he brings to every team is leadership, character, personality, energy. He makes sure everyone lives by the standards. With this characteristic, he embodies everything we are trying to build.
“We try to build a team for our fans, we try to build a team they’re proud of, they can identify with and is hopefully an exciting watch. Jordan brings everything and embodies everything of what we want this team to be.”
Based on that it wouldn’t be a shock if Henderson is back again for June’s matches.
Which fringe players will be included?
08:56 , Mike JonesEngland squads tend to be made up of players from the ‘big six’ clubs in the Premier League but with this season throwing up surprises and a resurgence from the likes of Nottingham Forest, Newcastle and Crystal Palace there is more of a case to widen the net when selecting the next bunch of England players.
Midfielders Adam Wharton, who helped Crystal Palace to the FA Cup, and Elliot Anderson, pivotal to Nottingham Forest’s Champions League qualification bid, could be among those on Tuchel’s radar.
So too, Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey and Newcastle’s Jacob Murphy while Arsenal’s Ben White might also be in line for a recall following his exile since the 2022 World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel expected to name strong squad for Andorra and Senegal games
08:51 , Mike JonesEngland boss Thomas Tuchel is expected to name a strong squad ahead of the forthcoming games against Andorra and Senegal.
Tuchel, preparing for his second camp since starting work as Sir Gareth Southgate’s successor in January, will announce his group on Friday for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra on June 7 and the City Ground friendly against the African side three days later.
Despite the exertions of a long season for his stars Tuchel should call most of them up for the two games.
Thomas Tuchel expected to name strong squad for Andorra and Senegal games
Thomas Tuchel's previous England squad
08:46 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel has only selected one England squad so far but there were plenty of talking points especially the inclusion of Jordan Henderson who had missed Euro 2024.
Here’s a reminder of who was called up back in March:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton), James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (AC Milan, loan from Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Marcus Rashford (Aston Villa, loan from Manchester United), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)
Man City to make decision on Jack Grealish future at end of season
08:41 , Mike JonesPep Guardiola has said a decision will be made on Jack Grealish’s Manchester City future at the end of the season.
The England international, signed for £100million four years ago, has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium since his starring role in the 2023 treble-winning campaign.
The 29-year-old has made just seven Premier League starts this term and was not summoned from the bench during the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.
Man City to make decision on Jack Grealish future at end of season
A place for Grealish?
08:36 , Mike JonesJack Grealish has endured a poor season with Manchester City and has seemingly fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad stadium with Jeremy Doku now the preferred option for Pep Guardiola.
The 29-year-old has made just seven Premier League starts this term and was not summoned from the bench during the FA Cup final defeat to Crystal Palace.
Grealish has two years left on his contract at City but may want to move away from the club to better his chances of being included in England’s squad for the World Cup next year.
Thomas Tuchel’s selections today will give an idea on how far away from international duty Grealish is given his lack of game time.
Harry Kane on Thomas Tuchel's impact
08:31 , Mike JonesSpeaking during the previous camp, England captain Harry Kane addressed how Thomas Tuchel runs things compared to Gareth Southgate.
Kane revealed: “He’s very much involved in the squad, even on the training pitch but also outside of the pitch as well, whether it’s watching other games in the lounge area or being around the boys a bit more.
“He wants to have the involvement, he wants to see the players all the time, how they are, how they are reacting.”
Rashford's future in doubt
08:26 , Mike JonesBeing included or not in this England squad could have a bearing on Marcus Rashford’s future.
He will not play for Aston Villa again this season and it feels unlikely that the club will trigger the £40m option to sign him on a permanent deal from Manchester United.
That means he will head back to Old Trafford and try to reconcile with manager Ruben Amorim who is being back to turn around the club’s fortunes.
There is reported interest in Rashford from Barcelona but no decision will be made about his future until the summer and any outings for England have the potential to prove his worth to club teams.
Inside Thomas Tuchel’s first England camp – and how the players really feel
08:21 , Miguel DelaneyBack in March our Chief Football Writer, Miguel Delaney, wrote about how the players reacted to Thomas Tuchel’s first England camp and what the differences were compared to their time playing under Gareth Southgate.
Here’s a reminder of how things went:
Inside Thomas Tuchel’s first England camp – and how the players really feel
Big name absentees?
08:16 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel isn’t afraid to spring surprises as shown when he recalled Marcus Rashford for the first camp of the year following the winger’s resurgence at Aston Villa.
Some decisions may be out of his hands though as Rashford is currently nursing a hamstring injury and Manchester City’s Phil Foden hopes to fully recover from an ankle issue.
Neither is expected to be in the squad and there could be other big name omissions if players do not fit into Tuchel’s plans.
Good morning!
08:11 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s England squad announcement as Thomas Tuchel continues his preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
The England boss enjoyed a successful first camp with the national team and won both World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Lativa.
Today Tuchel names his squad for England’s June internationals where they’ll face Andorra in a qualifying match and a friendly against Senegal.
The manager is expected to name a strong squad as he aims to impose his style of play on the Three Lions ahead of next year’s tournament.
The squad announcement is due around 10am with Tuchel addressing the media an hour later.
