Calvert-Lewin & Maguire Named in England Squad for Upcoming Friendlies
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Kobbie Mainoo are set to make their appearances in the newly announced 35-man England squad as the nation prepares for its international games in March. Calvert-Lewin, having netted 10 goals for Leeds in the Premier League this season, is making a noteworthy return after a five-year hiatus from the national team, last playing in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020. Mainoo, on the other hand, has found regular football at Manchester United under the management of Michael Carrick after a spell of lesser playing time.
Manager Thomas Tuchel’s Selection Insight
This squad reveals several surprises as manager Thomas Tuchel evaluates potential candidates in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. Notably, Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele is included to possibly fulfill the role of training goalkeeper this summer. Among other selections are James Garner of Everton, Lewis Hall from Newcastle, and AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, alongside Harry Maguire of Manchester United and Dominic Solanke from Tottenham.
Absentees and Squad Composition
Despite a large squad selection, familiar faces such as Ollie Watkins and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been omitted, with Reece James sidelined due to injury. The 35-player roster is being prepared for friendly matches against Uruguay on March 27 and Japan on March 31. Tuchel commented on the unique squad arrangement, noting, “We decided to divide it into basically two camps, almost, so we bring players in that we haven’t seen who haven’t played so much to open up the picture, and the competition for plane tickets to the US.”
Unbeaten World Cup Qualifying Campaign
England’s recent qualification process was remarkably successful, ending without a single loss and no goals conceded. The upcoming March international fixtures provide a golden opportunity for players at the periphery of the squad to assert their value ahead of the World Cup.
Complete England Squad Details
The 35-man England squad features a robust list across various positions:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford, Aaron Ramsdale, Jason Steele.
Defenders: Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Harry Maguire, Nico O’Reilly, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, John Stones, Fikayo Tomori.
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, James Garner, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Adam Wharton.
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Dominic Solanke.
