England manager Thomas Tuchel today named his 23-man squad for the 2024 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament opener against Croatia in Dallas just 12 days away at 9 p.m. BST on June 17. The announcement came moments after the squad assembled at the FA’s London headquarters for final medicals and tactical discussions.
Key Points
- ✅ Squad finalized 12 days before World Cup opener
- ⚡ Includes 12 players from Premier League, 6 from Serie A, 3 from La Liga
- 💡 One Championship player called up for the first time
Tuchel’s selection sparked immediate debate, with Arsenal’s Declan Rice named captain and Manchester City’s Phil Foden starting as playmaker. Veteran defender John Stones made the cut despite limited recent club minutes, while young Tottenham midfielder Destiny Udogie earned his first senior call-up after an impressive season.
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Jordan Pickford | Everton |
| Defender | John Stones | Manchester City |
| Midfielder | Declan Rice | Arsenal |
| Forward | Phil Foden | Manchester City |
| Forward | Ivan Toney | Brentford |
One of the biggest talking points is Ivan Toney’s inclusion. The Brentford striker, currently serving a six-match ban for betting-related misconduct, will be eligible to play despite the disciplinary cloud. The FA confirmed Toney met all eligibility criteria, though his availability hinges on a successful appeal or suspension reduction.
Tuchel addressed the media shortly after the squad announcement, emphasizing the need for “mental resilience” given England’s tough group featuring Croatia, Brazil, and South Korea. “We have the quality to win any game,” he said. “But the margin between success and failure is smaller in a World Cup than anywhere else.”
💡 Pro Tip
Monitor squad training sessions at St George’s Park this week—Tuchel often tweaks starting XIs based on live fitness reports.
The squad departs for Dallas on Sunday, with a training camp in Texas ahead of the June 17 opener. England’s group stage clash against Brazil on June 22 will be broadcast live on BBC One and ITV in the UK, with kickoff at 7 p.m. BST.
- June 17, 9 p.m. BST — England vs Croatia, Cotton Bowl, Dallas
- June 22, 7 p.m. BST — England vs Brazil, AT&T Stadium, Arlington
- June 26, 7 p.m. BST — England vs South Korea, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Tuchel’s final selection omitted several high-profile names, including Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher. The manager cited form and tactical fit, but the omissions have already fueled social media scrutiny.
📋 By The Numbers
- 12 days — Days until England’s first World Cup match
- 23 players — Squad size for the tournament
- 1 Championship player — Ivan Toney’s inclusion from Brentford
- 6 Serie A players — Including Federico Chiesa and Nicolo Barella
Family members of the squad have been invited to watch training sessions in Texas, with strict security protocols in place. The FA confirmed no away fans will travel for the group stage, citing logistical constraints and cost.
- 📊 England’s average player age: 26.8 years
- 🔍 11 players have never featured in a World Cup before
- ⚠️ Toney’s eligibility remains under review by FIFA
As the squad prepares for departure, all eyes are on how Tuchel balances experience with youth. The World Cup begins in 12 days—and England’s campaign starts in Dallas.
