In exactly four months, England will launch their World Cup journey in the sweltering heat of Texas, facing a familiar adversary, Croatia.

Manager Thomas Tuchel is set to lead his team through two friendly matches in March before finalizing the 26-man squad that will head to Florida for a pre-tournament training camp.

The choices Tuchel makes for the upcoming home games against Uruguay and Japan will offer significant insights into the squad composition for the World Cup in North America and Mexico.

While approximately 16 players are almost assured of their spots, there’s intense competition among 26 hopefuls vying for the remaining positions. Daily Mail Sport delves into the key positions where teammates are fiercely competing for inclusion.

Thomas Tuchel will have some difficult decisions to make for his England World Cup squad

Man City’s Phil Foden will be one of the signature stars fearing the chop after going off the boil

Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson are practically guaranteed selections, but the race for the third goalkeeper slot is wide open.

James Trafford, who clinched the 2023 Under-21 European Championship and had an impressive season with Burnley, seemed to have secured this spot. He has been a constant presence in all of Tuchel’s squads so far.

But the Manchester City stopper has been reduced to domestic cup games since Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival and didn’t secure a move away from the Etihad Stadium in January.

A lack of consistent matches may count against him, with Newcastle United’s Nick Pope the obvious replacement. Ironically, Trafford turned down a move to St James’ Park last summer in favour of a return to City.

James Trafford (left) and Nick Pop (right) are set to battle for the third goalkeeper spot

Defenders 

Only one full back, Reece James, appears a definite pick.

The rest – including Trent Alexander-Arnold and Newcastle pair Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento – are all quality options to have.

Alexander-Arnold’s first campaign at Real Madrid has been plagued by two muscle injuries, restricting him to 10 La Liga appearances, but Alvaro Arbeloa said Real were ‘lucky to have him’ after an encouraging display in victory over Real Sociedad at the weekend.

Livramento’s ability to play either right or left – he’s done both for England at various levels – is a big plus point but the 23-year-old is currently out until March with another injury. Hall is becoming more consistent, leading to growing calls for him to be the premier left back.

City’s Nico O’Reilly might have something to say about that, although Pep Guardiola has recently been utilising him as a central midfielder (his natural position) and if that continued, it’d likely give Hall an edge. Djed Spence has three caps under Tuchel, while Myles Lewis-Skelly’s lack of starts at Arsenal will be concerning.

Centrally, John Stones is obviously picked – if fit. And that is a big if. He’s making another comeback at the moment and will be monitored by the FA. Jarell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah are around it too, as well as the aforementioned Maguire.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury issues at Real Madrid complicate his bid for a ticket 

Midfield

Central midfield feels more settled than anywhere else on the pitch which, given England’s seemingly endless search for balance in there alongside Declan Rice, is a turn up for the books.

Elliott Anderson, targeted by the whole of Europe ahead of the summer, will start next to Rice. Jordan Henderson’s been in every Tuchel squad, Morgan Rogers flourishing too, with Jude Bellingham an obvious stick on.

The runners and riders beneath that are very interesting indeed. Classy on the ball and intelligent off it, Adam Wharton has plenty of admirers. Phil Foden has gone off the boil and will be sweating unless he begins to recapture some form, with Eberechi Eze’s role at Arsenal strangely diminishing.

Does Tuchel look at the Connor Gallagher’s engine? Or turn to youth in Alex Scott at Bournemouth after his first call up in November? Curtis Jones hasn’t been playing enough for Liverpool since the turn of the year, whereas Morgan Gibbs-White may have a new lease of life with Nottingham Forest’s change of manager.

Eberechi Eze is struggling for starts at Arsenal; he hasn’t scored since his hat-trick against Tottenham in November

Forwards

Ivan Toney made no secret of his desire to force a way back into the fold in an interview with Sky Sports News this week, with the Saudi Pro League top scorer having featured just once since the Euro 2024 final.

Ollie Watkins is in the driving seat to act as Harry Kane’s deputy, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s resurgence at Leeds United not going unnoticed. Jarrod Bowen is always in the conversation and – much like Foden – Anthony Gordon needs to find another gear over the coming weeks.

Both of those players will get the nod if they re-find their touch but time is ticking.

Cole Palmer (left) is set for a place on the plane; Anthony Gordon (right) must do more