Who wants England’s World Cup late call-up?

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Who wants England’s World Cup late call-up?

The Premier League is just over a week away but excitement is building for this summer’s World Cup.

A number of countries have announced their squads but in England, Friday is the big day as Thomas Tuchel reveals the 26-man squad tasked with trying to reclaim Jules Rimet’s title.

While the inclusion of some players is the norm, others face a wait to see if they make it.

This weekend gave some of those on the list one last chance to show why they should be on the plane.

So who actually put in their bid and gave Tuchel something to think about?

Luke Shaw has started every Premier League game for Manchester United this season [Getty Images]

Luke Shaw won the last of England’s 34 caps in their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.

That the Manchester United defender has missed the majority of the 2024-25 season through injury – including just seven league games – has certainly not helped.

In his absence, Lewis Hall and Nico O’Reilly have proved to be solid players at left back and Myles Lewis-Skelly has also impressed when given a chance.

However, Shaw has returned to fitness and, crucially for a player who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, he has been able to stay on throughout the season, starting every league game for United.

His smart goal – his first in the Premier League since January 2023 – against Nottingham Forest was a timely reminder of the former Southampton man’s quality.

After such a long time out of the picture, recalling Shaw would be a bit of a surprise but having played a key role in helping England to two major finals, that kind of experience could be very dear to Tuchel.

“I don’t have much power in the matter, but I think so,” United coach Carrick said when asked if Shaw deserved international recognition.

“Also, consistency, just what he’s capable of. Performance, knowledge, his strength, the qualities he’s got.

“He’s an amazing defender. I think between them [Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire] they didn’t take their chances they didn’t get hurt very recently.”

Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest — Morgan Gibbs-White has scored 14 goals in the Premier League this season [Getty Images]

Morgan Gibbs-White enjoyed a fine season with his first Manchester United goal netting his 14th Premier League goal of the campaign.

While Nottingham Forest have struggled for most of the season, their captain has been chipping in with important goals and assists, ultimately helping them climb away from the relegation zone.

With nine goals and two assists in all competitions since the start of March, Gibbs-White is also a man in form.

But having been left out of England’s last two squads, will it be enough for the former Wolves midfielder to make 26?

Competition for his position could not be more intense with Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer among the options to play in that high-profile role.

He has actually scored twice as many goals as any of his rivals in 2026 and – along with Igor Thiago – is the league’s top scorer this calendar year.

Gibbs-White’s form matches any of them but whether Tuchel will turn to him before any of those big-name players remains to be seen.

Crystal Palace player Adam Wharton — Adam Wharton scored the last of his four England caps in March [Getty Images]

Crystal Palace may already have one eye on the Conference League final but Adam Wharton helped them hold on to a league draw at Brentford.

The left-footed player scored his first Palace goal with a low strike from the edge of the box before surprising the onlookers with a backflip celebration.

It certainly caught the eye and Wharton will be hoping that his performance caught Tuchel’s eye.

Although the former Blackburn man, 22, has been linked with a big-money move to any of the top clubs, he has been limited to just four England appearances since making his debut in June 2024.

Injuries have been a factor in that and the fact that he has featured in the last two teams suggests that Wharton was firmly in the mix, even before his first Premier League goal.

Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin — Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored four goals in 12 games for England [Getty Images]

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is another player who has struggled with injuries over the years.

There is no doubt that had he been available permanently, Everton would not have let him leave on a free transfer like they did last summer.

But Calvert-Lewin has rebuilt his reputation with a fine debut season with Leeds who secured England’s recall in March.

Meanwhile, his stunning win against Brighton was his 14th league goal of the campaign and a place in the schedule to the US remains elusive.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Calvert-Lewin latched on to it and got in front of the keeper. A tight angle and he put it in with his left foot.

“People doubted his signing but that’s 15 goals this season [in all competitions] about him and now people are talking about him possibly being part of England’s World Cup squad.”

Asked if he expects to be called up for the World Cup, Calvert-Lewin told BBC Sport: “It’s going to be a busy summer anyway as I’m two-and-a-half years old.”

Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins celebrates beating Liverpool — Ollie Watkins has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad [Getty Images]

If Calvert-Lewin misses out, Ollie Watkins could force his way back into the team.

The Aston Villa striker has been left out of England’s latest squad after scoring just one goal in nine league games.

But it’s a completely different story now that Watkins has scored nine goals since the start of April.

He ran Liverpool wild on Friday, scoring twice, and if anyone knows how to play a supporting role for Harry Kane, it’s the man who made it a success at Euro 2024.

Watkins’ last-minute winner in the semi-final against the Netherlands will live long in the memory of England fans, who will be hoping to have the chance to create a few more this summer.