Thomas Tuchel must submit preliminary World Cup squad today as England boss makes picks | Football | Sport
Thomas Tuchel has decisions to make (Image: Getty)
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England’s World Cup squad announcement deadline explained
- Monday’s preliminary deadline: By Monday, May 11, Thomas Tuchel must provide a provisional “release list” to FIFA containing up to 55 players. This acts as the principal group from which the final squad is chosen.
- The UEFA link: While this is a FIFA tournament, the preliminary squad is frequently referred to in a UEFA context because it secures the release of players from European clubs. This guarantees that they are legally available for international duty during the designated rest and preparation periods.
- Purpose of the early roster: This extensive list is submitted to provide FIFA and various continental bodies with the requisite documentation for player eligibility, anti-doping protocols, and logistical planning across the three host nations.
- Cutting down the squad: The transition from the ‘long list’ to the final tournament roster will take place by May 30. This is when Tuchel will reduce the group to a final 26-man squad for official registration with FIFA.
- World Cup group draw: England have been placed in Group L. This draw sees them avoid fellow top seeds like France and Argentina until at least the semi-finals, provided they win their group.
- The opening fixture: England kick off their campaign against Croatia on June 17. This opening match takes place at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, kicking off at 9pm UK time (3pm CDT).
- Second group match: The Three Lions then travel to Foxborough, Massachusetts, to face Ghana on June 23 at the Boston Stadium. This game is also kicking off at 9pm UK time (4pm ET).
- Final group clash: The group stage concludes against Panama on June 27 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The final match will begin at 10pm UK time (4pm EDT).
- The stakes of the draw: Should England finish top of Group L, they will advance to a round-of-32 fixture in Atlanta on July 1. This would see them pitted against one of the highest-ranking third-placed sides from the remaining groups.
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