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- England World Cup door still open, says Tuchel
England World Cup door still open, says Tuchel
England head coach Thomas Tuchel says the door is still open for those hoping to make a late run for his 2026 FIFA World Cup squad despite disappointment for several players in his latest announcement.
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Manchester City's Phil Foden returned to the 25-man squad named for the final qualifiers against Serbia and Albania next week.
But there was not such good news for others with Everton's Jack Grealish, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly amongst the notable absentees.
There was also no place for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Morgan Gibbs-White and time is running out to impress the German coach, who will have one more squad to pick in March before then naming his FIFA World Cup selection in May.
But the German insisted the door was still open when announcing the squad, even if admitting he has a "settled mind" about who he will take to North America.
"I will also be open because I know anything can happen. You don't wish for injuries but it can happen in short notice," he said.
"My thoughts now are more for the camps for September, October and November. But my thoughts for the [FIFA] World Cup will then start after this camp and the qualification phase is over.
"This was an important cycle for me and this is the third part of the cycle, so it's not finished. This is where all the attention goes now. Then comes the March camp.
"I think it's important for me to reconnect after these three camps with all 55 to 60 players on the long list and be in close contact and see them, meet them and text them."
England is yet to confirm which teams it will play in friendlies in March and that could depend on who Tuchel's side is drawn against for the FIFA World Cup group stage.
"We will have the phase in March which could be even busier for some of our players and their clubs," Tuchel said.
"We have to stay open-minded because young players can come through -- those who are struggling for minutes can play important roles for their clubs. I need to make sure the door is always open and they are on their toes.
"The final nomination is only in May and until then, anything can happen."
Tuchel also hinted he would be open to continuing in his role as head coach beyond the FIFA World Cup, regardless of whatever the perceived success is.
"Yes I would [consider staying on]. It's a lot of fun, particularly since we're on track these past two camps," he said.
"But there's nothing to announce at the moment, but I'm very happy with the way things are going."























