Ivan ToneyPlayer·Ivan Toney and Ollie WatkinsPlayer·Ollie Watkins have completed remarkable journeys from the fringes of England's Euro 2024 squad to becoming crucial elements in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans. Both strikers earned their places in the 26-man squad through exceptional club form that forced the England head coach to reconsider his attacking options.
Toney's inclusion represents the most striking transformation. The forward had made just one two-minute appearance under Tuchel in a friendly against Senegal and had not represented England since June 2025. His recall comes after a sensational campaign with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, where he finished as the division's top scorer with 32 goals, including four hat-tricks, while helping his club lift the AFC Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League Elite trophy.
Watkins endured a more turbulent path back into contention. After scoring the semi-final winner against the Netherlands at Euro 2024, the Aston VillaTeam·Aston Villa striker struggled for form early in the 2025/26 season, managing just one goal and no assists in his first 11 matches. His poor form saw him omitted from England's March friendlies, but a resurgent second half of the campaign restored his international prospects. Watkins finished as the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League's leading English scorer with 16 goals and contributed 21 across all competitions as Villa secured the Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League title and Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League qualification.
Tuchel's decision to select three specialist centre-forwards alongside Harry KanePlayer·Harry Kane reflects tactical pragmatism ahead of the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The extreme heat expected at World Cup venues has influenced the England head coach's thinking, with Watkins and Toney providing crucial backup options to manage Kane's minutes and ensure the captain remains fresh for knockout stages.
"I think it's good, me and Ivan are different players, and you need that. You need to have versatility," Watkins explained. "At the end of the day, Ivan's a proven goalscorer, he's shown it throughout all his career."
Toney's return carries particular significance given his previous international exile. The striker expressed his determination to seize the opportunity, acknowledging the magnitude of representing England at a World Cup for the first time.
"It would mean a lot. I have never played at a World Cup. It would be a dream; everyone dreams of that," Toney reflected. "If we were to win it, that would be so big for the country. You have visions of what could happen. If it comes true, it would be a blessing."
The contrasting styles of both forwards provide Tuchel with tactical flexibility. Watkins offers pace and movement in behind defences, while Toney brings physicality and clinical finishing in the penalty area. Their inclusion comes at the expense of notable omissions including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Harry Maguire, who were excluded due to below-par club campaigns or injury struggles.
Tuchel, who extended his England contract through Euro 2028, guided the team to a perfect World Cup qualifying record, making England the first European nation to secure their place at the 2026 tournament. His faith in both strikers represents a calculated gamble that their club form will translate to international success when the tournament begins.
Ivan Toney congratulates Ollie Watkins after England's Euros semi-final win in Dortmund. Credit: Sportimage/IMAGO
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