England’s World Cup squad talking points: from Toney’s return to clarity for Bellingham

Thomas Tuchel has placed great faith in John Stones and Djed Spence while ignoring several star names in attack

Thomas Tuchel said that whittling down his 55-player longlist gave him “a certain edge”. There were some tough phone calls and some decisions inevitably caused outrage. But there was a pointed remark from Tuchel about how creating a winning team is not necessarily “to select the most talented 26 players”. The aim since September has been to build a brotherhood; Tuchel knows maintaining harmony within the camp will be crucial given that England hope to be together for seven weeks. “We have 26 players who know their role, who are committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish,” the German said. Was there a message to Harry Maguire after the defender aired his grievances at being overlooked? “I think it was not necessary,” Tuchel said of Maguire’s decision to go public.