5 Uncapped England Hopefuls Who Could Star in Tuchel’s World Cup side
As qualifying for the 2026 World Cup begins, so does a new era for England. The country’s first-ever German head coach, Thomas Tuchel, will take charge of his first games. The former Chelsea manager’s appointment opens the door to those keen to stake their claim for the 26-man squad.
In this article, I will explore just five of the many uncapped young players who could be in with a shout for the World Cup squad.
Left-Back Options
With Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell constantly out injured, Gareth Southgate’s often found it difficult to field a natural, left-footed left-back. At the European Championships, Kieran Trippier was shoehorned into the position, limiting the amount of attacks that were able to launch from the left side. So a full back who can play on their natural side is key.
Miles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal
Arsenal’s newfound star has all the technical aspects to become a mainstay in the national team. His first season in the limelight has had its controversial moments, with two red cards, albeit one was overturned after appeal.
Lewis-Skelly has had a 94.7% pass completion rate in the Premier League. He has an impressive dribble success of 61.5%, winning 70% of his duels. Also defensively solid, he has won 68.4% of his tackles.
At just eighteen years old, the future is bright for the Arsenal defender, Tuchel will have an eye on him for sure.
Dennis Cirkin – Sunderland
Despite being born in Dublin, Dennis Cirkin has represented England at youth level. At just 22-years-old, he has already played over 100 games for Sunderland. Cirkin shows solid attributes both offensively and defensively for the Black Cats, who could see themselves in the Premier League very soon.
Cirkin has five goal involvements and is in the top ranks for regaining possession in the Championship, with 92 recoveries so far this season. He is a good pressing option, winning the ball eight times in the final third too.
With the shortage of left-footed English wing-backs, Cirkin could see himself rise into the reckoning very soon, I’m sure Tuchel has had a look already.
Leif Davis – Ipswich Town
Leif Davis signed for Ipswich when they were back in League One and he has improved as The Blues have risen through the leagues. Kieran McKenna often deploys him in a very high and advanced position for Ipswich Town, allowing the left winger to tuck in. This could be a good omen for England, if Tuchel wishes to play someone like Phil Foden on the left, who operates better when allowed to drift centrally.
In the 2023/24 season, Davis broke the record for assists in the Championship, with 18 in total. In a more creative side, the 25-year-old could really flourish.
Despite a tough season in the Premier League, Davis has not looked out of place in the top flight and could be a huge option for Thomas Tuchel in years to come.
Further Forward
Tyler Dibling – Southampton
I wrote a piece on Southampton’s starboy at the start of the season, when he had little media attention. Since then, he has seen major interest from huge clubs such as Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. The 19-year-old has been a shining light in the dross of Southampton’s season.
In Dibling’s breakout season, he has won 97 duels, 39 fouls and won his struggling Saints side two penalties with his seemingly unstoppable technical skills.
This summer will bring an inevitable transfer to a top Premier League side, with clubs lining up to take England’s hottest prospect off the Southampton books. Despite the impressive amount of wingers at Tuchel’s disposal, Dibling could break into the team sooner rather than later.
Liam Delap – Ipswich Town
Eyebrows were raised when Ipswich Town forked out over £20 million on Manchester City’s Liam Delap, but the 22-year-old has proven his doubters wrong.
With 10 Premier League goals so far this season, his impressive striking ability is backed up by the fact that his xG is 7.95 – meaning he’s scored two more goals than the data says he should have.
With Harry Kane reaching his older years in football, soon the time will come for somebody to take over his mantle. For me, it is a shootout between Delap and Ollie Watkins.
The Road to 2026
While competition remains fierce, these young prospects will be keen to prove themselves in the coming seasons. Tuchel’s tenure brings an element of unpredictability, and with squad places up for grabs, the next generation of English talent has a golden opportunity to force their way into the national team setup. The upcoming qualifiers will serve as an early indicator of who might emerge as genuine contenders for a World Cup spot.
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