Thomas Tuchel Makes Smart World Cup Move After Latest England Injury

Story by

Antonio G Losada

Mon, Mar 23, 2026 ·

2 min read

England manager Thomas Tuchel was forced into two late adjustments to his squad ahead of the final international break before World Cup rosters are named, with injuries reshaping his plans.

Arsenal 's Eberechi Eze withdrew from the squad after suffering a calf injury that kept him out of the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, leaving Tuchel needing a replacement just days before friendlies against Uruguay and Japan .

Rather than simply filling the spot, Tuchel made a chess move in calling a player with dual nationality and still allowed to play for both England and Scotland.

That man is Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes , who will join the Three Lions' squad, earning his first England call-up since 2020.

England head coach Thomas Tuchel during a training.Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
(Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

The decision carries the added significance of pretty much blocking Scotland from their steady attempts to steal the winger from representing England.

Barnes was targeted by Scotland and manager Steve Clark in the past, both attempting to convince him to switch international allegiance ahead of the World Cup.

Barnes is eligible to play for the Scottish nation through his grandparents, but the 28-year-old ultimately declined the approach and committed to pursuing his England career in February.

“Harvey’s going to concentrate on trying to play for England, he’s not going to come to Scotland,” Scotland manager Steve Clarke said .

Tuchel’s call-up reinforces that stance at a key moment, bringing Barnes into the setup as competition intensifies for World Cup spots. That said, with the upcoming matches being friendlies and not competitive matches, Barnes could play for England this month and still qualify for Scotland in time for the World Cup.

Tuchel, meanwhile, has made clear these final camps are about evaluating options, with players competing for their “tickets” for the tournament. That now includes Barnes, who should seize the unexpected chance of featuring for the nation before the final roster is announced.

England will open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17, with the rosters due May 30.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the World Cup section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.