England: Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad is in a quandary.

Some of Tuchel’s problems have been on defense and injuries and fitness issues.

Centre-back John Stones would normally be one of the first names on the England manager’s list.

On accepting the job, Tuchel identified captain Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Stones as key members of his management team.

The German was in regular contact with the trio by text during the opening months of his reign – assuring them of how important they were to his plans.

A fully fit Stones is a nail-biting starter for England this summer. However, the 31-year-old has only started four Premier League games this season.

Center backs Mark Guhi and Ezri Konsa look certain to make the plane to North America, with Harry Maguire’s international call-up in March boosting the Manchester United man’s hopes of a place.

Beyond that; Jarrell Kwansah’s versatility could count in his favour, with Trevoh Chalobah and Fikayo Tomori both included in the squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March – but they face an uphill battle to make the last 26.

Levi Colwill, who recently returned from a long-term hamstring injury, is unlikely to make the full squad, although Tuchel’s extended 55-man squad for the tournament.

At right-back, all eyes will – as ever – be on Trent Alexander-Arnold making the cut. On the face of it, the Real Madrid man should fear the worst.

Although Tuchel has selected more than 30 players in total, he was not included in the squad for the March internationals.

Last year, Tuchel said Quansah – the centre-back – was ahead of him in the pecking order, so it doesn’t necessarily look good.

That said, Tuchel has problems at right back. Reece James, who is expected to start the tournament as the first choice at the position, has had an injury interrupted campaign.

Tino Livramento is also preferred. But the Newcastle defender has not played since mid-April with a thigh injury.

Doubts over Livramento’s fitness, coupled with the expected exclusion of Arsenal’s Ben White – recovering from a serious knee injury – could still open the door for Alexander-Arnold.

And with England looking to keep the majority of the ball in Group L games against Croatia, Ghana and Panama, Alexander Arnold’s strength in possession could suit Tuchel’s side early in the tournament.

Tottenham’s DJ Spence could be an option, having played four times under Tuchel.

Luke Shaw’s run gave Tuchel a headache as he rounded off his team. Nico O’Reilly’s impressive form at Manchester City means he will surely be selected, while Newcastle duo Dan Byrne and Lewis Hall will also be hoping to get the nod.