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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Independent and Lauren MacDougall

Pick England’s strongest player in each position ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad announcement

Thomas Tuchel, manager of England looks on after the international friendly match between England and Japan - (Getty)

England’s World Cup squad announcement is almost here – and Thomas Tuchel still has some huge decisions to make.

The England manager will reveal his 26-man squad on Friday ahead of this summer’s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, with several positions still far from settled.

While Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice look to be guaranteed starters, there are fierce battles breaking out all across the pitch as players fight for a seat on the plane.

At full-back alone, Tuchel is juggling fitness concerns, form and versatility. Does he trust Reece James to stay fit? Has Tino Livramento done enough to force his way in? And who gets the nod on the left between breakout star Nico O’Reilly and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall?

Midfield may be even more complicated. Elliot Anderson has emerged as Tuchel’s preferred No 6, but Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo are still in the mix.

Further forward, England are overloaded with attacking talent, with Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Phil Foden all competing for central roles behind Kane, while Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford are duking it out on the left.

Tuchel has spent recent weeks travelling around the country watching contenders in person as he finalises his plans – and now it’s your turn to make the big calls.

Below you’ll find two England selector games – split into defence and attack – where you can choose who should start in each key position and compare your picks with the rest of our readers.

Defence

Attack

Want to defend your picks? Have your say in the comments below.

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