Thomas Tuchel calls up five extra players for England World Cup camp
England manager Thomas Tuchel has added five additional players to his pre-World Cup training camp in Florida to cover for squad members involved in late-season European finals.
Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri, Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, Fulham’s Josh King and Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha have all been added to the travelling party.
Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele will also cross the Atlantic to operate as a designated training stopper.
Managing late European arrivals
The German head coach officially named his 26-man tournament squad earlier this month.
However, several established stars will be unavailable for the initial stages of the American preparation phase.
An Arsenal quartet consisting of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke will feature in the Champions League final against Paris St-Germain on 30 May.
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson is also set to participate in the Europa Conference League showpiece three days earlier.
Maintaining tournament preparation
The national team are scheduled to play warm-up fixtures against New Zealand and Costa Rica on 6 and 10 June respectively.
Bringing in temporary reinforcements ensures the Three Lions boss can maintain a full training schedule.
It also allows the coaching staff to carefully manage the physical load of their available roster before the tournament begins.
“We will take some young players out who will train with us and keep the squad at the size we need so we have all the possibilities for the two friendly matches,”
Thomas Tuchel
Youngsters offered senior exposure
Nwaneri joins the senior set-up following a productive loan spell at Ligue 1 side Marseille, where he made 10 appearances during the second half of the campaign.
Scott was initially included in the 55-man preliminary longlist before missing the final tournament cut.
His positive attitude following that disappointment deeply impressed the former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager.
“I am happy that these guys are with us, especially Alex who had a disappointing phone call that he didn’t make the first cut.”
“His reaction was outstanding; it showed me his character and his spirit.”
The injection of youth provides valuable experience for the emerging talents as the nation prepares to compete for major international silverware on North American soil.