England’s Wembley tune‑up
England head to Wembley to face Uruguay in a high‑profile World Cup warm‑up as Gareth Southgate finalizes squad and tactics ahead of the expanded 2026 tournament co‑hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. The friendly is being treated as a crucial stress‑test before qualification deadlines and playoff decisions later this week. (beinsports.com) (espn.com)
Thomas Tuchel has named an expanded 35‑player England squad for the March internationals and said players will report in two waves as he uses the Wembley friendlies to audition fringe options ahead of the World Cup selection process. (englandfootball.com) The call‑ups include a first senior invitation for Everton midfielder James Garner, recalls for Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire, plus Leeds striker Dominic Calvert‑Lewin and goalkeeper Jason Steele as a potential summer training keeper. (englandfootball.com) High‑profile absentees from Tuchel’s 35‑man list include Trent Alexander‑Arnold and Ollie Watkins, omissions the manager described as sporting choices as he narrows his options before the tournament. (espn.com) England’s friendly with Uruguay kicks off at Wembley on Friday 27 March (7.45pm GMT), with Marcelo Bielsa in charge of La Celeste after Uruguay qualified from CONMEBOL—finishing fourth in the South American table. (beinsports.com) (fifa.com) The wider calendar delivers immediate pressure: UEFA’s playoff semi‑finals are scheduled for 26 March with pathway finals on 31 March, while the six inter‑confederation playoff matches that decide the last two World Cup places also take place across 26 and 31 March. (si.com) (worldcupwiki.com) FIFA has set administrative deadlines that compress Tuchel’s decision window — federations must submit preliminary lists of up to 55 players by 11 May and final 26‑player squads by 30 May ahead of the tournament. (sportingnews.com) (dazn.com)
