England resume their countdown to the World Cup as Thomas Tuchel’s side face the test of Uruguay in the first of two friendlies this March.
Tuchel has just two more outings before he decides his squad for this summer’s tournament finals, with England facing Croatia in their opening game on 17 June in Dallas.
Tuchel has given his core group of players - including Declan Rice and Harry Kane - the first week off, so there are opportunities to impress for the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, while Everton’s James Garner and Man City’s James Trafford have been handed senior debuts tonight.
Yet, the first half was a tepid affair with both teams struggling to create meaningful chances and the injuires to Joaquin Piquerez and Noni Madueke the two headline events.
Follow all the latest from England’s clash with Uruguay below:
Read MoreThomas Tuchel ramps up pressure on Cole Palmer with place in World Cup squad on the line
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The six England squad decisions awaiting Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup
England vs Uruguay LIVE
- England begin World Cup countdown against Uruguay | Live on ITV1
- Noni Madueke suffers unknown injury and is subbed off in first half
- Thomas Tuchel experiments with his expanded squad as Foden and Garner start
- England's core group including Harry Kane and Declan Rice have the first week off and are absent
England 0-0 Uruguay
21:01 , Mike Jones48 mins: Just in case it is of note, Henderson’s exit means that Harry Maguire has been given the captain’s armband for the second half.
A cross field pass comes over to Bowen on the right wing. He brings it down superbly and then fizzes a low pass into the box but can’t pick out Solanke.
Second half! England 0-0 Uruguay
20:59 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel has made a change at half time with Adam Wharton replacing Jordan Henderson.
Henderson is an experienced customer for England Tuchel knows his qualities so now is the chance to see how Wharton challenges this Uruguay side.
HT England 0-0 Uruguay
20:53 , Mike JonesEngland had the most possession in the first half with 63% and, as such, they created more chances.
Five compared to Uruguay’s three but the Three Lions found the target twice with the South American side yet to trouble James Trafford.
England need to improve in the final third and Marcus Rashford may prove to be the key to that having impressed in the first 45 minutes.
'That wasn't particularly exciting'
20:49 , Lawrence Ostlere at WembleyWell, that was not particularly exciting, perhaps predictably so given England’s makeshift team tonight.
“Marcus Rashford was England’s brightest attacking player, although he butchered a counter-attack in added time with a poor pass. James Garner has been sharp and Phil Foden has buzzed around semi-purposefully.
“Tino Livramento has been vaguely interesting to watch. But otherwise I’m not sure what Thomas Tuchel can have learnt from that half.
“The reality is that very few of these players are going to play a meaningful role in North America this summer.”
Noni Madueke injury forces early substitution against Uruguay and concern for Arsenal
20:45 , Mike JonesNoni Madueke is an injury doubt after being replaced in the first half of England’s international friendly against Uruguay.
The Arsenal winger was involved in a heavy collision with Rodrigo Aguirre on the edge of the Uruguay penalty area as he cut inside from the right and looked to shoot.
Aguirre tracked back and won the ball but his follow through clattered Madueke to the ground and he received treatment from the England medical team.
Noni Madueke injury forces early substitution against Uruguay and concern for Arsenal
Half-time! England 0-0 Uruguay
20:41 , Mike Jones45+7 mins: No goals at Wembley and a less than thrilling half of football.
Perhaps more to come from England in the second half.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:41 , Mike Jones45+4 mins: Canobbio hangs a cross into the England box from the right wing but Trafford decides to come out and pucnh the ball clear.
It’s a decent decision from the goalkeeper who clears the danger.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:36 , Mike Jones45 mins: There’s seven minutes of added time to play at the end of the first half.
'A pity for Madueke'
20:35 , Lawrence Ostlere at WembleyA pity for Madueke.
“He has been putting pressure on Saka with his performances at club level and it isn’t inconceivable that he muscles his way into Tuchel’s starting XI in North America.
“But his night is over without much opportunity to show his talent.”
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:31 , Mike Jones40 mins: James Garner swings a free kick into the Uruguay penalty area but it is cleared quite comfortably by the visitors.
England need to click back into gear after Madueke’s injury.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:27 , Mike Jones36 mins: Noni Madueke isn’t okay. He hobbles off the pitch again under guidance from the physios and seems to be awkwardly moving his jaw.
Jarrod Bowen is brought on to replace him as Thomas Tuchel takes no chances with him.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:23 , Mike Jones33 mins: Ouch!
Noni Madueke needs a minute after being clattered by Rodrigo Aguirre.
The Uruguayan won the ball as Madueke was about to shoot but his follow through took the wind out of the England winger.
He’s still on the deck receiving some medical treatment and Tuchel takes the chance to issue new instructions to his players.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:21 , Mike Jones30 mins: Marcus Rashford has a bit of joy on the left wing taking on the defenders.
He weaves and tricks his way to the edge of the box before poking it back ot Garner.
Garner crosses and finds Solanke but his header loops up for an easy catch for Muslera.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:16 , Mike Jones27 mins: A long ball up the pitch is won by Uruguay and taken up by Agustin Canobbio.
He has options on both sides but decides to shoot and smokes his effort high and wide.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:14 , Mike Jones24 mins: It’s a tough game this one. Uruguay are a step up in class to the teams England have faced in World Cup qualifying and the Three Lions are fielding a team not used to playing with each other.
They had some joy but there hasn’t been the type of control Thomas Tuchel would like.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:10 , Mike Jones21 mins: Garner switches things up this time with his corner kick and curls the ball into the six-yard box, right on top of the goalkeeper.
Fernando Muslera slaps the ball away and gives up another set piece. This move comes to a premature end as the ball is slipped back to Foden who is offside.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:08 , Mike Jones18 mins: Close!
Manuel Ugarte loses the ball to James Garner pressing up the pitch.
The ball squirts out to Dominic Solanke who takes a touch and shoots on the turn.
His effort takes a deflection but lands in the hands of the goalkeeper who keeps it out without trouble.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:05 , Mike Jones15 mins: Piquerez cannot continue. He’s placed on a stretcher after a break of five-and-a-half minutes.
Replacing him is Jose Maria Gimenez who also collects the captain’s armband for Uruguay.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:03 , Mike Jones13 mins: Oh no.
Joaquin Piquerez and Noni Madueke come together over by the Uruguay byline.
The defender comes off worse and seemingly twists his ankle before rolling off the pitch.
Immediately the physios are called on and this injury looks to be a bit more serious than first thought.
England 0-0 Uruguay
20:00 , Mike Jones11 mins: Garner is on set piece duties again after Dominic Solanke’s long range effort is deflected out for a corner.
He aims for the far post again and there’s a bit of pressure on the Uruguay defence but they handle it well enough.
England 0-0 Uruguay
19:57 , Mike Jones9 mins: Uruguay have taken control of the ball and Federico Valverde looks to feed a pass through the lines only to see Harry Maguire intercept it.
Maguire sends the ball out to Madueke on the right wing and he charges forward before going down under a challenge.
The referee isn’t interested in the calls for a free kick.
England 0-0 Uruguay
19:55 , Mike Jones6 mins: Lee Dixon agrees with my assessment of this new England kit.
Speaking on ITV’s commentary he says: “I’m not a fan of them playing in red at home but it’s a nice kit.”
England 0-0 Uruguay
19:53 , Mike Jones4 mins: James Garner crosses the corner into the middle of the box and picks out Harry Maguire.
He can’t quite get his header under control and just nudges it over the crossbar.
England 0-0 Uruguay
19:52 , Mike Jones3 mins: Harry Maguire drives forward with the ball from his position as the left centre-back.
He offloads the ball to James Garner who is clipped and fouled inside Uruguay’s half.
Phil Foden swings the ball to the far post where it gets nodded across to Noni Madueke. He looks to shoot on the turn but a defender comes in to nudge the ball out for a corner.
Kick off! England 0-0 Uruguay
19:49 , Mike JonesEngland are wearing their brand new red away kit tonight. It looks good and will no doubt be getting a run out during the World Cup this summer.
The Three Lions get the match started and send the ball back to James Trafford in the hopes of building an attack from the back.
England vs Uruguay
19:46 , Mike JonesThe players make their way out onto the pitch at Wembley with Jordan Henderson having the armband in the absence of Harry Kane tonight.
England don’t have the best record against Uruguay but can they change that this evening?
Kick off is up next...
England vs Uruguay
19:40 , Mike JonesIs this the last chance for England’s fringe players to impress Thomas Tuchel?
The England boss said: "Buy into it. Buy into the ideas. Put the effort in. Put the intensity in your effort and support each other. These are the main headlines.
"Through training we gave them the headlines you just heard and then I told them that we always want the perfect match and the perfect training, but I am long enough a coach now to know that things can become difficult when you face a strong opponent.
"Some players are new, hearing my voice for the first time, training with us for the first time, hearing the ideas for the first time. So I know not everything is perfect from the start or throughout the match but like I said stick together."
Will England miss Kane?
19:35 , Mike JonesHarry Kane has scored 10 goals in his last 10 England appearances, including nine in his first nine under Thomas Tuchel.
Kane also scored and assisted in Uruguay manager Marcelo Bielsa’s last match on English soil when he was Leeds manager, in a 4-0 win for Tottenham at Elland Road in February 2022.
However, the England captain is absent from the squad this evening and more likely to feature against Japan next week.
Bielsa's record
19:30 , Mike JonesUruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa’s will manage his third game against England.
Hhe drew 0-0 at Wembley in February 2000 and lost 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup as Argentina boss.
This game will be 26 years and 32 days since his last game at Wembley, a record for a manager in games versus England – Bernd Stange has the current record (25 years and 32 days, Sept 1984 with East Germany – Oct 2009 with Belarus).
A good start to the year
19:25 , Mike JonesEngland have won their first match of the calendar year in 11 of the last 13 years, though one of their defeats in this 13-year run was against a South American side at Wembley.
They lost 1-0 to Brazil in 2024.
A clean sheet for England?
19:20 , Mike JonesEngland have kept a clean sheet in 11 of their last 12 matches, including the last six in a row since a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June 2025.
Another clean sheet in this game will equal the Three Lions’ record for consecutive clean sheets since June/July 2021, a run of seven.
Uruguay lost their last match, suffering a 5-1 defeat to the USA. They haven’t lost consecutive games since losing four in a row in October/November 2021 in their final four games under Oscar Tabárez.
England vs South America
19:15 , Mike JonesEngland have won two of their last 11 matches against South American nations (five draws, four defeats).
They beat Brazil in February 2013 and Peru in May 2014.
They’re winless in five since that Peru win (three draws, two defeats).
Could we see a goalless draw?
19:10 , Mike JonesTwo of the four previous games between England and Uruguay at Wembley have ended 0-0, with those goalless games at the 1966 World Cup and in a 1995 friendly.
They are one of only three nations England have drawn more than one game 0-0 against at Wembley, along with Wales (3) and Sweden (2).
England vs Uruguay
19:05 , Mike JonesThis is the first meeting between England and Uruguay since the 2014 World Cup, when the Three Lions were beaten 2-1 and knocked out of the tournament under manager Roy Hodgson.
England have just a 27% win ratio against them only having lower against Brazil and Romania among nations they’ve faced 10+ times.
How do you think England are shaping up for World Cup?
19:00 , Mike JonesWhat are your thoughts on England’s preparations for the World Cup, and the interesting squad “split” deployed by Thomas Tuchel for this month’s camp?
Subscribe to chief football writer Miguel Delaney’s exclusive Inside Football newsletter and email m.delaney@independent.co.uk with a question for the chance to be featured.
Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter
Uruguay's team to take on England
18:55 , Mike JonesUruguay starting XI: Muslera, Ronald Araujo, Ugarte, De Arrascaeta, Varela, Canobbio, Valverde, Olivera, Araujo, Piquerez, Aguirre
Subs: Rochet, Mele, Gimenez, Caceres, Sanabria, De La Cruz, Martinez, Nunez, Pellistri, Vina, Rodriguez, Vinas, Torres, Rodriguez
England's team changes
18:50 , Mike JonesAs was expected, Thomas Tuchel makes 11 changes to the starting line-up for England’s clash with Uruguay.
In goal James Trafford gets the nod ahead of Aaron Ramsdale, Jordan Pickford and Jason Steele.
There is a recall for Harry Maguire in central defence and he will partner Fikayo Tomori with Tino Livramento and Djed Spence sit up at left and right back.
Jordan Henderson captains the side and partners James Garner at the base of midfield with the Everton midfielder being handed a senior debut.
Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford set up on either wing with Phil Foden preferred to Cole Palmer as the No.10.
Dominic Solanke leads the line.
England’s Subs: Ramsdale, Pickford, Steele, Hall, Wharton, Stones, Palmer, White, Mainoo, Calvert-Lewin, Barnes, Bowen
Almost time for team news
18:42 , Mike JonesThe England squad has arrived at Wembley and is preparing to take on Uruguay.
The starting XI drops shortly:
England team to take on Uruguay
18:40 , Mike JonesEngland XI: Trafford; Spence, Maguire, Tomori, Livramento; Henderson, Garner; Madueke, Foden, Rashford; Solanke
Your #ThreeLions for the first time in 2026 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/4K19bU4QWE
— England (@England) March 27, 2026
John Stones needs to be 100% fit to make World Cup squad
18:36 , Mike JonesThere are doubts over whether John Stones will start for England tonight - we’ll find out shortly when the line-ups drop - and Thomas Tuchel has been speaking about injury doubts.
He was asked if he would need to be 100% certain that Stones was fit in order to include him in the World Cup squad.
The England boss replied: "Yes, I guess so, but he came here and he was fit, then he feels something, so if we call him up there might be the chance he maybe misses out on a match at short notice.
"We have other top central defenders, but he can still play a part, with his energy and with his quality, but first of all I want him to be in camp as a player. Let's see how this camp continues and how it plays out."
Tuchel on calling up Harry Maguire
18:30 , Mike JonesHarry Maguire is back in the England fold after impressing for Manchester United under interim boss Michael Carrick.
“Harry simply deserves it,” Tuchel said when asked why he was called up.
“He has, especially since Michael Carrick took over, had very, very good performances and fantastic results and is a key figure in the Man United squad who is now in third place and on a very good run of form.
“He’s a big reason for that, so he deserves to be with us. It’s interesting also for me to get to know him in person and to see him in training and see him within the group.
“He has outstanding qualities on set-pieces, so I’m happy that he found his way back to us.”
Harry Maguire on Tuchel’s England phone call, Carrick’s future and his one problem with Amorim
18:24 , Mike JonesHarry Maguire was stepping onto a late afternoon flight to Bournemouth with his Manchester United teammates when a WhatsApp message pinged his phone. It was the England manager, Thomas Tuchel, asking if they could talk that evening.
Butterflies fluttered. Maguire hadn’t played for England for nearly two years, since he appeared in a Nations League game against Ireland in 2024.
Maguire on Tuchel’s call, Carrick’s future and his problem with Amorim
Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup
18:18 , Richard JollyA third striker?
Tuchel has three No 9s in his group: an intriguing element is that Ollie Watkins, often Harry Kane’s understudy, is not one of them.
If he remains out in the cold, it could seem a straight shootout between the two Dominics, Solanke and Calvert-Lewin, for the back-up role; it is harder to see both being chosen.
There are other ways of finding another centre-forward: Phil Foden did well as a false nine against Serbia in November, Jarrod Bowen sometimes leads the line for West Ham, Anthony Gordon is now Newcastle’s central figure, and Marcus Rashford has played more games than any as the spearhead of a side.
Gareth Southgate took three centre-forwards to Euro 2024 – though Ivan Toney’s selection was partly for his penalty-taking. Tuchel is more likely to go with two and to use one of his extra three picks elsewhere.
Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup
18:12 , Richard JollyA fifth winger?
Of course, Eberechi Eze could be that fifth winger. If Tuchel only takes four, difficult decisions beckon.
On the left, two of his favourites have been Anthony Gordon and Marcus Rashford, each offering similar pace, but Eze can come infield more; Harvey Barnes’s addition to the group only complicates the equation.
On the right, he has so far avoided making a definitive decision as to whether Noni Madueke or Jarrod Bowen is Bukayo Saka’s immediate deputy.
Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup
18:06 , Richard JollyThree No 10s?
It has looked a likely scenario, simply because of the depth of talent in the position. As it is, Tuchel may still have to omit a supposedly generational talent, in either Phil Foden or Cole Palmer, because Morgan Rogers and Bellingham – despite being excluded from the squad in October – seem shoo-ins.
It would nevertheless appear imbalanced if Tuchel took four No 10s. The saving grace is that each is versatile: while Tuchel seems to want game-stretching width on the flanks, which is not Palmer’s forte, he can play off the right. Foden was used in attack in November. Eberechi Eze has scored for England as a left-winger. Morgan Gibbs-White, only really a No 10, has faded from the picture.
Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup
18:00 , Richard JollyFive central midfielders?
Another area where it had looked like Tuchel would be content with a quartet. There are other ways of bolstering the contingent in the centre of the pitch: if Jude Bellingham is classed as a No 10, he can nevertheless operate in a deeper role, while Nico O’Reilly seems likely to travel as a left-back, but spent his youth in midfield, and has played there at times in 2026.
But the call-up of James Garner offers another dimension and a different way of configuring his squad. Garner is a central midfielder by preference but has flourished for David Moyes in a series of roles. Take him to the World Cup as the fifth midfielder and the 25-year-old could double up as the third right-back. Or if Tuchel took both Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton, he may have five out-and-out central midfielders.
Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup
17:54 , Richard JollyFive full-backs?
Reece James had spent longer on the sidelines than John Stones in recent seasons, but, while he sits out the current squad, he has made 36 appearances this season.
Before the Chelsea captain was hurt, the sense was that Tuchel was likelier to take four full-backs, in part because conceivably it still gives him three choices on either flank.
Tino Livramento and Djed Spence can play on both sides of the back four, while he has used two centre-backs – in Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah – at right-back, plus Dan Burn can be the world’s tallest left-back.
It may count against Trent Alexander-Arnold that, with James cemented as the first-choice right-back, Tuchel seems to prefer versatility to a second specialist.
Decisions for Tuchel before the World Cup
17:48 , Richard JollyA fifth centre-back?
The logic of it may depend upon his best central defender. Because John Stones has played so little football for Manchester City, with no Premier League start since October, it would be a risk to take him as one of just four centre-backs, despite the excellent fitness records of Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi.
Selecting five could also aid the chances of the recalled Harry Maguire, who has spent spells on the sidelines himself in recent years.
Few of Tuchel’s full-backs are plausible centre-back options: only the late addition Ben White and Reece James, his first-choice right-back, so that may be an added reason to go with five specialists in the middle.
James Garner hopes to replicate under-21 success with England senior squad
17:42 , Mike JonesJames Garner is dreaming of winning the World Cup with England after receiving his maiden call-up to the senior squad.
The Everton midfielder has the chance to book his ticket to North America after he was named in Thomas Tuchel’s extended group for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.
James Garner hopes to replicate under-21 success with England senior squad
Tuchel on calling up James Garner
17:36 , Mike JonesEverton midfielder, James Garner, earned his first call up to the England team for this camp and will work with Thomas Tuchel for the first time.
Of Garner’s abilities, Tuchel said: “James Garner just has a fantastic season. He’s always available for Everton.
“He plays in multiple positions – right defender, left defender, six, eight. He’s fast, he has a clean foot and takes all the set pieces. I think he deserves it.
“He’s a bit of an underrated player. I saw him many times now live and convinced about his quality and his character and want to see how he does in camp.”
'I was very happy'
17:30 , Mike JonesJames Garner has been speaking about earning a first call up to the senior England squad and revealed what it was like to get the phone call from Thomas Tuchel .
“He messaged me and said that we need a call,” he explained.
“Obviously, we had the call and it was a very positive one and I was very happy.
“I didn’t tell anybody because I knew the squad was going out the next day, so on the way to training, I rang my mum and my dad and brother and stuff and let them know, but I just wanted to digest it myself, so I didn’t even tell anyone.”
Predicted England XI
17:24 , Mike JonesWith Thomas Tuchel splitting up his 35 player squad, tonight’s starting XI will feel like a whole new team.
Here’s how we see the Three Lions lining-up at the start of play:
Predicted England XI: Pickford; Livramento, Tomori, Maguire, Hall; Wharton, Garner; Madueke, Palmer, Rashford; Solanke
England's early team news
17:18 , Jamie BraidwoodSince Tuchel named his squad, Eberechi Eze and Jarell Quansah have withdrawn due to injury, replaced by Harvey Barnes and Ben White. James Garner is a first-time call-up and could make his England debut if selected.
Jordan Pickford is likely to start and there could be a Newcastle pairing at full-back, in Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall. John Stones and the recalled Harry Maguire, back in an England squad for the first time since 2024, may rekindle their defensive partnership, but the Manchester City defender is reportedly dealing with a calf issue, so Fikayo Tomori could feature.
In midfield, Tuchel has a choice between Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson or Garner, with the England manager confirming that he would take “no risks” with Jude Bellingham’s fitness following his return from a hamstring injury. At No 10, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are expected to get the chance to impress.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke are also in a straight shoot-out to start, with Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford likely to start on the wings. There could then be changes in the second half to allow Jarrod Bowen and Barnes some game time.
How can I watch the game?
17:12 , Mike JonesEngland vs Uruguay will be shown live on ITV1, with a live stream available on ITV X.
Coverage begins at 7pm.
When is England v Uruguay?
17:06 , Mike JonesKick off for this international friendly is at 7:45pm at Wembley on Friday 27 March.
England vs Uruguay
17:00 , Mike JonesEngland begin their countdown to the World Cup as Thomas Tuchel’s side face Uruguay at Wembley in the first of two friendlies this week.
England will play just two more games before Tuchel announces his World Cup squad, with England facing Croatia in their opening game on 17 June, so the competition for places is on.
Tuchel announced an expanded 35-man squad for the friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, on Tuesday, with a core group of stars such as Harry Kane and Declan Rice given the first week off.
And Tuchel has confirmed that players such as Cole Palmer and Phil Foden will be given the opportunity to impress against Uruguay, in what could be an experimental line-up from the England boss.
Tuchel on splitting the squad in two
16:45 , Mike JonesTuchel named an expanded squad of 35 players for this camp which will effectively be split in two for each of the games.
“That sounds a lot,” said the England boss.
“Actually, it is 19 outfield player and four goalkeeper squad from Tuesday to Saturday and then I think it’s 22 outfield players and three or four goalkeepers in the second match, so nobody needs to sit on the tribune in none of the matches.
“Everyone finds a place in the squad and everyone gets also the focus that everyone deserves to have – that’s why we split it up. Players who are now heavily involved in European football and regular players for their clubs having more than 3,500, sometimes over 4,000 minutes and were with us in September, October and November, they got some days off.
“We think we will all benefit from that rest, that they get a little break mentally and physically and they come energised and with hunger for the second match against Japan.
“It will give us the opportunity to look at some new players and look at players who didn’t play so much in the last three camps. It’s a good opportunity for them to impress and they deserve also the full attention from us, so it will be only 19 players in the first camp, so we have after that a better and clearer opinion.”
Thomas Tuchel's thoughts on the March camp
16:30 , Mike JonesThis international break is the final one before England manager, Thomas Tuchel, will select his squad for the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Tuchel sat down at the start of the camp to discuss his thoughts on the breaks in March.
“My general thoughts are March is like a bit of an odd one, like the June one,” he said.
“It is in a period where players are heavily involved in cup semi-finals, Champions League semi-finals and at the end of the season, they fight for not being relegated or making international or European places, fighting for championships and for titles, so it is a very stressful and very demanding period of time.
“We have obviously done our homework, we have qualified, so it leaves us with two friendlies which is a good thing. The opponents are very strong opponents, given the style of play and given the ranking. It has its demands, this window.
“We decided then to divide it in basically two camps almost, so we bring players in that we haven’t seen that haven’t played so much to open up the picture and to open up the competition for plane tickets to the US.
“Then from Friday/Saturday, a group of players will come into camp – 10 or eleven players will come who get a rest before and we will then go with a new group of players and a new mix of players into the match against Japan.”
Head-to-head
16:15 , Mike JonesEngland have faced Uruguay a total of 11 times but have only won three of those previous encounters.
They most recently come up against Uruguay in 2014 and lost 2-1 in a World Cup clash.
The six England squad decisions awaiting Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleCentre-back shapes as one of six key areas that Thomas Tuchel will be examining closely over the next week. Richard Jolly takes an in-depth look at each of them:
The six England squad decisions awaiting Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup
Harry Maguire on Tuchel’s England phone call, Carrick’s future and his one problem with Amorim
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleHarry Maguire could be one of those pushing their case for a World Cup place tonight. Once a vital figure at the back for England, the Manchester United man is no longer quite as central to the manager’s plans but his return to form could be welcome for Thomas Tuchel - as Lawrence Ostlere found out from the centre half himself earlier this week:
Maguire on Tuchel’s call, Carrick’s future and his problem with Amorim
England’s World Cup 2026 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s almost there and who has work to do?
15:30 , Lawrence OstlereEngland have only one more camp before Thomas Tuchel names his squad for the 2026 World Cup, and plenty is still up in the air.
England dominated Group K in Uefa qualifying to book their place at next summer’s World Cup, winning all eight games without conceding a goal.
Tuchel has picked a 35-man group for this month’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, after which he will have just a few weeks to finalise his group to take to USA, Canada and Mexico in June.
The manager has made clear that he wants to build a squad with clearly defined roles, and two players for every position on the pitch, plus a third goalkeeper and three versatile outfield players to round out the 26. He sees his midfield comprising a No 6, a No 8 and No 10 and wants each player to know their specific role in the side.
But despite Tuchel’s attempts to create clarity, there remain major questions over the full-back positions, the composition of midfield and the plethora of wingers and No 10s to whittle down – with some big names likely to miss out.
So who will Tuchel select in his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup?
England’s World Cup 2026 squad: Who’s on the plane and who has work to do?
How do you think England are shaping up for World Cup?
15:10 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat are your thoughts on England’s preparations for the World Cup, and the interesting squad “split” deployed by Thomas Tuchel for this month’s camp?
Subscribe to chief football writer Miguel Delaney’s exclusive Inside Football newsletter and email m.delaney@independent.co.uk with a question for the chance to be featured.
Join the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter
Thomas Tuchel will not take 'risks' with Jude Bellingham's fitness
14:50 , Jamie BraidwoodThomas Tuchel said at last week’s squad announcement that he would not take “risks” with Jude Bellingham’s fitness after the Real Madrid midfielder only recently returned from a hamstring injury.
But Bellingham, who made a 17-minute showing off the bench in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid before the international break in his first appearance since the start of February, may feature against Japan on Tuesday.
The 11 players who will join England late in squad ‘split’
14:30 , Jamie BraidwoodHarry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Elliott Anderson, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Dan Burn and Dean Henderson will miss England’s first friendly against Uruguay tonight, and will only join his squad ahead of the Japan game.
“These guys have played 3,500 minutes, some 4,000 minutes [this season],” Tuchel said. “More important than the pure number of minutes is some of these guys have played more minutes than the whole of last season.
“All of these players have contributed in September, October and November. They have credit with me. To give them a break mentally and physically, we will benefit from it.”
A warning for Cole Palmer ahead of England 'audition' with Phil Foden
14:16 , Jamie BraidwoodCole Palmer has played just 64 minutes for England under Thomas Tuchel and there is a real possibility the Chelsea star gets squeezed out of this summer’s World Cup squad due to the intense competition for places at No 10.
It seems implausible to think that Palmer, a scorer for England in the Euro 2024 final, could be left out but the 23-year-old has struggled with a groin injury this season and is no longer a guarantee after missing the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Tuchel has said Palmer has to “show” what he is capable of, ahead of what is possibly an audition for a place against Phil Foden this evening. “We have more evidence without him than with him so the pressure is on him,” Tuchel said.
A 'second chance' for Ben White at right back?
14:10 , Jamie BraidwoodAn intriguing name in England’s squad this week is Arsenal right back Ben White, who is back for the first time since leaving the camp in rather mysterious circumstances during the 2022 World Cup.
With Reece James injured, and Trent Alexander-Arnold not selected, White has been given the opportunity to impress and potentially earn a spot ahead of Newcastle’s Tino Livramento and Tottenham’s Djed Spence.
“He made it very clear how delighted he is to be back,” Tuchel said of White. “This is what he has shown in the last days. Everyone deserves a second chance, but I don’t even know if he did something wrong or what exactly happened.”
A debut for James Garner in midfield?
14:05 , Jamie BraidwoodWith Declan Rice and Elliott Anderson given the night off, there is an opportunity and places up for grabs in England’s midfield.
Arriving into the camp for the first time, in a late back-post run ahead of the World Cup, is Everton’s James Garner.
Tuchel loves his athleticism, work-rate, and says he had a “clean foot” - making him a contender to take England’s set-pieces.
Could he start next to Adam Wharton or Kobbie Mainoo in England’s midfield this evening?
Good afternoon and welcome
13:59 , Jamie BraidwoodHello and welcome to live build-up to England’s friendly against Uruguay at Wembley tonight. It’s a big one for Thomas Tuchel, as his plans for this summer’s World Cup continue to take shape, and an intriguing one for the observer. Tuchel has named a 35-player squad for this week, but we know that a core group of 11 players have been given the week off.
It’s a big opportunity, therefore, for those on the fringes of Tuchel’s plans to make a case for their ticket to the United States.