Time is running out for Thomas Tuchel as he prepares to finalise his England squad for the 2026 World Cup — a decision that could define his tenure. Yet, with the domestic season entering its final stretch, there’s still a window for fringe players to force their way into contention. Some, however, stand a much better chance than others.

The German manager must submit a provisional list of 35 to 55 players by May 11 — one month before the tournament begins — before cutting it down to his final 26-man squad. By this point, the Three Lions boss is expected to have a clear idea of who will make the trip to North America, though a few late surprises can’t be ruled out.

Several players on the periphery hope that strong late-season form or a bit of fortune might earn them a ticket to the World Cup. Meanwhile, others who were once regulars under Tuchel now find themselves far removed from England’s plans.

Here, GOAL ranks the leading outsiders hoping to seal a last-minute call-up…

10. Angel Gomes (Wolves)

Angel Gomes’ return to the Premier League after five and a half years in France was clearly intended to boost his England prospects. However, his January move from Marseille to Wolves hasn’t gone as planned. The midfielder has struggled for minutes under Rob Edwards, and with Wolves already relegated, his career faces a crossroads this summer.

Tuchel has yet to call up the 25-year-old, whose last England appearance came under interim boss Lee Carsley following Gareth Southgate’s post-Euro 2024 resignation. Realistically, only an injury crisis would open the door for Gomes to join the World Cup squad.

9. Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

Curtis Jones has never quite managed to get his international career off the ground, and he may soon need to consider leaving Liverpool to achieve greater consistency. The midfielder’s 2025-26 season has been patchy once again, as he’s failed to cement himself as a key figure in the Reds’ midfield.

Now 25, he remains goalless in the Premier League this season, with just two assists to his name — disappointing numbers for a player of his ability. That poor form likely explains his absence from England duty since the friendly defeat to Senegal in June 2025, despite being part of Tuchel’s first-ever squad.

8. Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan)

After receiving his first England call-up in seven years last September, Ruben Loftus-Cheek might have believed he was back in the national picture. But his omission from subsequent squads suggests otherwise.

The 30-year-old’s season at AC Milan has been disrupted, with a broken jaw in February halting his momentum. He’s since struggled for game time in a side battling for consistency. As a result, his hopes of representing England in North America look slim.

7. Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli)

Ivan Toney’s prolific form in Saudi Arabia has been impossible to ignore — except for Tuchel, who continues to overlook him. The former Brentford striker hasn’t featured for England since that disappointing friendly loss to Senegal nearly a year ago, despite closing in on an astonishing 40 goals in all competitions for Al-Ahli, along with 10 assists.

Toney’s experience from Euro 2024 could prove valuable, but Tuchel doesn’t appear convinced. Even as England’s second most in-form striker behind Harry Kane, his chances remain uncertain.

6. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid)

Few players divide opinion like Trent Alexander-Arnold. After a rocky start following his move to Real Madrid last summer, the right-back has recently found his rhythm, notching three league assists in six games since returning from injury in February.

However, his defensive lapses continue to haunt him in Spain, and Tuchel remains unconvinced. The German even left him out of March’s 35-man preliminary squad — a clear sign that the former Liverpool star might not make the trip to the World Cup. It’s been nearly a year since his last England cap.

5. Conor Gallagher (Tottenham)

Like Gomes, Conor Gallagher returned to the Premier League in January to reignite his England career. Instead, he’s been drawn into a relegation battle with Tottenham. The midfielder initially struggled to find his footing, but Roberto De Zerbi’s recent appointment could be a turning point.

Gallagher’s tireless display in the win over Aston Villa showed his quality, and it may have caught Tuchel’s attention at just the right time.

4. Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)

Trevoh Chalobah’s position in Tuchel’s pecking order is difficult to gauge. The Chelsea defender earned his first England call-up under Tuchel last summer but was dropped in September and October before earning another inclusion in November, though he didn’t play.

An ankle injury ruled him out of contention for March, and with Chelsea enduring a tough season, his chances have dimmed. With Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire and John Stones all ahead of him, Chalobah faces an uphill battle.

3. Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal)

Myles Lewis-Skelly has the distinction of scoring the first goal of Tuchel’s England era, but the young Arsenal star needs to kick on to avoid being a trivia answer. After being warned about limited game time earlier in the season, he lost his spot in the national setup.

Still only 19, his versatility and recent minutes under Mikel Arteta — particularly against Fulham and Atletico Madrid — have showcased his growing maturity. Tuchel has previously spoken highly of him, and a late surge into the final squad isn’t out of the question.

2. Alex Scott (Bournemouth)

Alex Scott can consider himself unfortunate to have missed out in March. The Bournemouth midfielder earned his first senior call-up last November but didn’t feature. Since then, his dynamic performances at club level have kept him very much in Tuchel’s thoughts.

With midfield competition fierce — including Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Elliot Anderson and James Garner — Scott’s ability as a deep-lying playmaker could offer a refreshing alternative. He might just be the perfect complement to Bellingham.

1. Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)

Morgan Gibbs-White’s sensational form has made him one of the standout Premier League performers in 2026, putting pressure on the likes of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer for a spot in the World Cup squad. The Nottingham Forest talisman has thrived under Vitor Pereira, scoring 10 league goals — the second-highest tally among English players — and leading his team’s push for survival.

Seven of those strikes have come since March, and his creativity and confidence have positioned him as a genuine contender for one of Tuchel’s attacking midfield slots. Gibbs-White could prove to be England’s surprise inclusion when the final squad is announced.