The ‘secret’ England player joining the World Cup squad is finally revealed after Thomas Tuchel stayed quiet.
The England player joining the World Cup squad, who Thomas Tuchel said he couldn’t name yet, has now been revealed.
Tuchel announced his 26-man team on Friday, making some surprising choices by leaving out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Harry Maguire, while bringing back Jordan Henderson and Ivan Toney.
There was also some buzz about Djed Spence being picked over Lewis Hall, and Nottingham Forest captain Morgan Gibbs-White missing out.
Tuchel talked in detail about the tough calls he had to make ahead of the tournament, which begins with a match against Croatia on June 17 in Arlington, Texas.
Before the World Cup, England will head to South Florida for a training camp and play friendly games against New Zealand and Costa Rica. Tuchel confirmed that three uncapped players will join the squad – Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha, and Fulham’s Josh King all accepted the call-up.
He also said there would be a fourth player with the team, but couldn’t name who it was yet.
Tuchel said, “Alex Scott, Rio Ngumoha, Josh King. And there’ll be one more player we can’t name because it’s not confirmed yet. But I’m happy these guys are with us, especially Alex. He was on the big 55-man list but was disappointed not to make the first cut. The way he handled it was amazing, and he wanted to be part of the pre-camp without hesitation. I’m glad he’s with us; it was a close decision, and he has a real chance to shine.”
The Daily Mail has now confirmed the fourth player is Ethan Nwaneri, who spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Marseille from Arsenal.
Nwaneri was once the youngest player in the Premier League until Max Dowman came along. He played six times for Arsenal, which qualified him for a Premier League winner’s medal.
He joined Marseille hoping to get more game time and scored just 13 minutes into his debut. However, he only started three times in Marseille’s last 16 games, and the team finished fifth in Ligue 1.
Nwaneri is eligible to play for Nigeria and France through his parents but has represented England in youth teams. He was also a key player in England’s win at the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
If any players in the 26-man squad get injured or have issues, one of these four players could have a chance to step in. Alex Scott seems closest to making it after a fantastic season with Bournemouth.
Arsenal players in the Champions League final will get extra rest, and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson will join later because of the Conference League final on Wednesday.
Nwaneri, just 19, signed a long-term contract with Arsenal after an amazing breakthrough season. But to get regular playing time, he might have to leave Arsenal. Sky Germany reports that Borussia Dortmund is interested in him.
Dortmund is known for signing young English players who need more chances to play.
Nwaneri has been with Arsenal since he was eight and was playing for their Under-18 team by 14.
He is open to moving on, but Arsenal will likely ask for a high transfer fee.