Bente: Tuchel has finalized most of the player roster, and 11 players may not qualify for the World Cup

Football     3:18pm, 20 November 2025

Recently, talkSPORT commentator Darren Bent revealed that Tuchel has determined most of the players for next year's World Cup and listed 11 players who may not qualify for the event.

England advanced to the finals with outstanding performance, locking in a qualifying spot two rounds in advance in October. Tuchel's side ended their qualifying campaign with eight wins from eight matches and without conceding a goal against Albania on Sunday.

England fans will learn about their group stage opponents in the draw on December 5. Although the final roster will not be announced until about six months before the World Cup, Tuchel already has several players in his mind who are determined to be selected, including captain Kane, first-choice goalkeeper Pickford and midfielder Bellingham.

Although the specific number of participating teams has not yet been determined, the participating teams for the 2022 World Cup and the last two European Cups both include 26 players. Bent admits Tuchel may still be undecided on a few players who still have a chance of making their way into his plans. When asked if anyone could fight for a spot through performance, Bent said: "I think there are a few people he may be hesitant about, but I think there are a few players who need to perform well in the next period to be selected. For example, Watkins was not selected for the last squad. If he scores 20 goals before the end of the season and is second to Haaland (because Haaland will probably win the Golden Boot), then he will almost force Tuchel to consider him."

"If Tuchel doesn't choose him in the end, Watkins can justifiably say: I've tried my best. But if he scores 20 goals, Villa performs well in Europe and the Premier League, and he is the main contributor, then I really can't see how to ignore him."

Bent then listed the starting lineup that he thought would definitely not be included in Tuchel's final list. It is worth noting that he specifically mentioned Alexander-Arnold, who is at a disadvantage in the competition for the starting right back position.

Arnold has made just one appearance under Tuchel and has not been called up since June. Bent also mentioned Grealish and Walker, Bowen and Kuanza, who all participated in the recent national team training. Bowen and Kwansa started against Albania on Sunday, with the latter making his senior debut.

Talking about Arnold's World Cup prospects, Bent explained: "I don't quite know what Tuchel thinks of him, but from the current point of view, Reece James is his first choice, and this is reasonable. James performed well while playing for Tuchel at Chelsea and won the European Cup. Champion. He is an excellent full-back, good at offense and defense, and can play on both sides. In addition, Kuanza is also very good and can also play the right-back position."

In other positions, Bent chose Ramsdale, who is currently serving as Nick Pope's substitute. Luke Shaw, Curtis Jones and Gallagher occupied the defense and midfield positions respectively. On the offensive end, Bowen, Grealish, Watkins and Gibbs White were selected together.

source:7m vn