The World Cup squad dilemmas facing Tuchel

The World Cup squad dilemmas facing Tuchel Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Thomas Tuchel has some big calls to make before his World Cup squad announcement BySami Mokbel, Senior football correspondent and Alex Howell, Football reporterPublished8 minutes agoThomas Tuchel has already started contacting the England hopefuls who have not made the cut.It's the call any player dreads - because even in today's club-centric landscape, representing your country at a World Cup remains the pinnacle.Tuchel's squad will be made public on Friday. For the fortunate 26, opportunity beckons – England head to this tournament as one of the fancied few to lift the trophy in New Jersey on 19 July.But for those the England head coach rings with bad news, there will only be a summer with thoughts of what might have been.BBC Sport looks at the key decisions Tuchel has faced in picking his final squad - and who has had most reason to be nervous during the selection process.World Cup 2026: Every nation's squad as they are announcedPublished1 hour agoPick your favourite World Cup kits Published22 AprilWill 'leader' John Stones make it?Some of Tuchel's biggest dilemmas have been in defence, where there have been injury and fitness issues.Centre-back John Stones, in normal circumstances, would have been one of the first names on the England manager's list.When he accepted the job, Tuchel identified captain Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Stones as the key members of his leadership group.The German, during the opening months of his reign, would stay in regular contact with the trio via text message - assuring them of how important they were to his plans.A fully fit Stones is a nailed-on starter for England this summer. But the 31-year-old has made just four Premier League starts this season.Central defenders Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa look certain to make the plane to North America, while Harry Maguire's international recall in March will increase...