The big questions for Tuchel's first England squad since World Cup

Sixty-five days after England's semi‑final defeat by Argentina, Thomas Tuchel will announce his first squad since the World Cup on Friday. The tournament concluded with a 6‑4 victory over France in the bronze‑medal match, yet the Three Lions departed the United States burdened by a lengthy list of “what ifs.” With four fixtures scheduled within an 11‑day window during the extended international break, supporters will soon see a preview of what Tuchel’s next England side could resemble. Could Trent Alexander‑Arnold be recalled? Might Alex Scott earn his debut? How will these players be deployed? BBC Sport senior football analyst Sami Mokbel, writer Jess Anderson, and BBC Radio 5 Live’s John Murray examine the pivotal questions facing the new manager. **Are some of the players overlooked for the World Cup likely to return and which new names may feature?** Sami Mokbel notes that Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Hall appear in Tuchel’s provisional squad for the upcoming Nations League internationals, although their inclusion in the final cut remains uncertain. The Liverpool winger Ngumoha was part of a contingent of young players who travelled with the England senior squad to the pre‑World Cup training camp in Palm Beach. He received his debut in the warm‑up match against New Zealand, making an impressive second‑half cameo. Although the 18‑year‑old has yet to feature in a full senior England squad, he could be selected by Tuchel for the forthcoming games versus Spain, the Czech Republic and Croatia. Hall’s omission from the World Cup roster drew surprise, given England entered the tournament without a recognised left‑back. Before confirming the final party on Friday, Tuchel must first submit a preliminary squad from which he will choose his ultimate selection. It is understood that Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, Arsenal’s Myles Lewis‑Skelly and Everton’s Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall are also among the names on Tuchel’s extended list. Attacking duo Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are included as well, after being two of the most notable absentees from Tuchel’s World Cup squad. That decision has been criticised in certain quarters as a mistake, considering both players rank among England’s most creative talents. Tuchel is anticipated to leave out Jordan Henderson, Dean Henderson and John Stones due to injury. **Who is in the running to be backup to Harry Kane?** Jess Anderson highlights that one of the most discussed topics surrounding England is who will step up in the absence of captain and talisman Harry Kane. During the World Cup, Tuchel did not turn to any alternative; Kane started all seven of England’s matches up to the semi‑final and was substituted only twice – both occasions coming late when the game had already been decided. Kane was rested for the bronze‑medal clash, with Ivan Toney preferred as the striker, although the Al‑Ahli forward failed to score in the 6‑4 win over France. Toney will not be available for this international break after being charged with assault causing actual bodily harm and is due to appear in court early this month. Ollie Watkins’ summer transfer to Saudi Arabia casts doubt on his England future, whereas Dominic Calvert‑Lewin is currently in fine form, having netted four goals in four appearances for Leeds United. This situation may present the opportunity for Tuchel to begin integrating Liam Delap, who is adapting to his new club Nottingham Forest and has yet to earn a senior England cap. Delap scored his first goal for Forest in the weekend victory at Aston Villa. **What can we expect from England?** John Murray observes that in the immediate aftermath of the semi‑final in Atlanta, Tuchel and the players acknowledged they had been too passive. The forthcoming squad announcement will be revealing, as it may disclose the conclusions Tuchel has reached regarding why that passivity occurred and how they surrendered a