Arsenal youth player among big names tipped for Tuchel’s World Cup Qualifiers squad

England return to action next month as qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America continues, and some surprising players are expected to be called up on Friday.

Thomas Tuchel’s side face Andorra at Villa Park on September 5, before travelling to Belgrade to take on Serbia on September 9 in what is expected to be their toughest test of the group stage.

The Three Lions are aiming to secure early progress to the finals, with September marking the halfway stage of their qualifying campaign.

With just three more international windows left before the tournament, Tuchel’s selections will give the clearest indication yet of his plans for next summer.

Who is tipped to make Tuchel’s England squad?

Arsenal teenager Max Dowman is among the most eye-catching names being discussed, with the 15-year-old winger tipped for a possible promotion after his impressive first-team debut against Leeds United at the weekend.

He could join a list of returning senior stars set to boost England’s options. John Stones, Luke Shaw, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire, Marc Guehi and Ollie Watkins are all available again after missing the June internationals.

Mason Mount is staking his claim too. The Manchester United midfielder hasn't made the waves fans expected, playing 26 matches across all competitions in 2024‑25 with 17 Premier League appearances.

The former Chelsea star will look to add to his 36 caps for his country and has, according to Sky Sports, has been in conversation with Tuchel.

Tuchel will still be without some of his most influential players. Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Jude Bellingham are all sidelined due to injury and will not feature in September.

Elsewhere, James Maddison and Levi Colwill remain in long-term recovery, while doubts persist over Ben White, who has not played for Arsenal since making himself available for England again in the summer.

England’s qualification outlook

England go into September’s double-header well-placed in their group, and victory over Andorra at Villa Park would edge them closer to sealing a spot at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

The real test comes in Belgrade, where a result against Serbia would almost guarantee top spot.

Tuchel’s side is still expected to qualify comfortably, but recent slip-ups, including the defeat to Senegal in June, mean momentum is just as important as points. With three more international windows after September, the next week could go a long way in defining England’s path to the finals.