A draw with Uruguay and a 1-0 defeat to Japan were not the results Thomas Tuchel would have wanted heading into the World Cup this summer, but both friendlies served their purpose. With the World Cup 2026 betting odds already reflecting England as one of the favourites, the pressure is on Tuchel to pick the right squad.
With several key players absent, Tuchel handed fringe players the chance to push for a squad place ahead of his final selection in May. Some took it. Most didn’t.
Here is who came out of the March break looking better than when they went in, and who will be nervously waiting by the phone.
Winners
The cleanest winners from this international window were the five players who didn’t even play. Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Reece James sat out both matches through a combination of rested legs and squad management, watching as the players competing for their spots struggled to make a case. None of the fringe candidates did enough to seriously threaten the first XI.
The absence of all five actually underlined how important they are to this England side, and come the World Cup, all five will walk back into Tuchel’s starting lineup.
Elliot Anderson
Anderson was one of the few players against Japan who looked like he belonged at this level. He was assured throughout, drove England forward with energy, and struck the crossbar with a well-hit effort from outside the box. He was rated as the top England player on the night. A composed and purposeful display from the Nottingham Forest midfielder, and one that will have done his World Cup chances no harm at all.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford arrived as a starter against Uruguay and s substitute against Japan, and was one of the most direct and threatening attacking players on show each time. Against Uruguay, he carried the ball nearly the length of the pitch in one burst and looked capable of making something happen every time he got on it. Against Japan, his half-volley was the closest England came to a leveller. Anthony Gordon played in the Japan fixture and left no impression despite putting in plenty of running. He never threatened the opposition goal and was guilty of taking too many touches when chances to hurt defences did arrive. The comparison between the two could not have been more stark.
Harry Maguire
Maguire used both matches to remind Tuchel he has a commanding and experienced centre-back available if needed. Against Uruguay he stepped into midfield with the ball, marshalled those around him, and took the armband in the second half. Against Japan he came on late and almost scored with his first touch, a header from a corner that was cleared off the line. At 33, he is unlikely to start at the World Cup, but he has made a strong case for being on the plane.
Curtis Jones
The Liverpool midfielder was not involved in either fixture, and that absence may end up being the most telling verdict of all. Despite being a consistent performer for Liverpool this season, Tuchel has overlooked him for all three of his squads so far, seemingly settled on his options in the middle of the park. But watching some players labour through 90 minutes and drift in and out of games, the case for giving Jones a look is only growing. He has done everything asked of him at club level. The call-up simply has not come.
Losers
Phil Foden
The Manchester City forward has had a difficult season at club level, and these two friendlies did nothing to ease concern around his form. He was ineffective against Uruguay before going off after a heavy challenge from Ronald Araujo. Against Japan, Tuchel deployed him as a false nine, and he struggled to influence the game from the off, offering little movement and nothing in terms of goal threat before being withdrawn just before the hour. With Cole Palmer pushing hard for the same area of the pitch, Foden now faces a real battle to nail down his role in the squad let alone the starting XI.
Cole Palmer
Palmer has quality, but his grip on the number ten spot is nowhere near as firm as it looked six months ago. Against Japan, he was dispossessed by Kaoru Mitoma in a dangerous area, leading directly to the only goal of the game. He was substituted before the hour in both matches. Against Uruguay, he showed flashes, with his delivery from set-pieces causing problems, but the consistency Tuchel needs was not there across 180 minutes. Palmer is still likely to travel to North America, but questions are forming about whether he is the first name on the team sheet in that position.
Morgan Rogers and Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Rogers was handed significant minutes across the two games and looked short of the level required. Against Japan, he had a golden opportunity late on and dragged his effort over the bar from close range. Calvert-Lewin was no better. Against Uruguay, he missed a point-blank header from five yards when presented with a clear chance from a Palmer free-kick. For a striker fighting to be included in a 26-man squad, that is not something you can afford to do.
Djed Spence
Spence was given time at left-back, and his defensive lapses were a recurring problem. His attacking intent was evident, but the spaces he left behind him were consistently exploited. With James returning to fitness for the tournament, Spence now faces a very uncertain path to North America.
Ben White
White only got into the squad due to injuries to Eberechi Eze and Jarell Quansah, and his overall contribution reflected that. He scored against Uruguay, which dominated the headlines, but immediately gave away the penalty that cost England the win. He was then hooked at half-time against Japan. When the full squad is available, White is unlikely to be anywhere near Tuchel’s thoughts.
