Tuchel on England's Ballon d'Or nominees

England head coach Thomas Tuchel is sending his best wishes to the three players in his squad who are nominated for the Golden Ball award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

With the awards taking place in London for the first time in its history to celebrate its 70th anniversary as a tribute to the inaugural winner Sir Stanley Matthews, it’s fitting that Three Lions trio Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are on the 30 player shortlist for the men’s award.

Voting has taken place over the last six weeks since the nominees were announced and the eyes of the football world will turn to the London Palladium Theatre on Monday evening when the winners will be unveiled.

And Tuchel will be an interested observer, but also admits he doesn’t envy those who had to vote either.

"I'm delighted to have three players in there with Declan, Jude and Harry,” he said.

“I could tell the voters that they could pick any of these three and would never have the choice wrong as they all deserve it.

"They're all in the mix, and while I'm not voting, if I could I'd vote for all three of them so let's see what happens.

“This award has been out there for a long time, and it becomes bigger and bigger with every year.”

For Kane, the 2025-26 season was a remarkable campaign for Tuchel’s captain both with his club Bayern Munich and the national team.

He said: "After last season? 70-plus goals, three titles with Bayern Munich, two semi-finals at the World Cup and the Champions League?

"He's getting better and better and it's just the full package.

"Everyone sees it [his leadership]. I think it was a good move for him to get the recognition within his own country but also in another country and to fight for it again and to start something completely new and to be in a club where it only counts to win and nothing else matters.

"That brought the best out of him.”

"And Declan is an outstanding team player. He has the responsibility on his shoulders for Arsenal and was a key player in a top campaign for them, reaching finals and winning the Premier League, so he deserves to be on that list.

"Jude proved his talent at the highest level again and on the biggest stage at the World Cup with world-class performances throughout the tournament.”

The ceremony is scheduled to start at 8pm GMT on Monday, and we’ll have full coverage across our England channels on the night.