England are a game away from the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals and have so far gone unbeaten without the services of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Harry Maguire, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The quartet were among the most shocking omissions from Thomas Tuchel's squad given their standing and experience with the Three Lions.
Cole Palmer: Business Ventures and Holidays
Palmer was perhaps the biggest surprise omission from Thomas Tuchel's squad but the Chelsea superstar isn't sweating his absence, instead looking at the positive side over his extended off-season. Speaking to iD magazine, he said: "I'm not crying over a decision you can't change, and I hope the lads make it all the way. I'm going to relax this summer, rest for the first time in three or four years, before getting back to what I love. If I'm not doing anything, then I'll watch the matches."
He's certainly been busy as he launched 'COLE'D', a line of premium ice products created in partnership with Gopuff. A recent Instagram photo-dump of his showed time away he's enjoyed on holiday, his new business venture and a lavish grey Lamborghini. He's spent time with girlfriend Olivia Holder in Ibiza, Turkey and the south of France.
Phil Foden: Training and Family Time
The Manchester City star took to Instagram to post a training compilation where he completed on-pitch drills in a bid to begin the 2026/27 season in top form. The 26-year-old has spoken of his love for fishing for the serene atmosphere it provides, and he's been up to more of the same with a friend as they posed with their sizeable catches at Norton Disney fishing lake in Lincolnshire.
Foden hit the headlines when attending Tommy Fury's boxing match against Eddie Hall due to being approached by adult content creator Lily Phillips. The social media star had approached him for a selfie before the footballer's girlfriend, Rebecca Cooke, swatted her away. He and Rebecca ventured to the continent after that, celebrating Father's Day at Disneyland Paris. And they've had plenty of fun at the beach with their three kids.
Harry Maguire: Social Media Outburst and US Trip
The Manchester United defender publicised his disappointment by not making the squad as he lashed out on social media. He wrote: "I was confident I could of (sic) played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had. I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I've loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players all the best this summer."
Despite his anger, the 33-year-old has been all smiles throughout the summer as he travelled to New York to appear as a guest on Gary Lineker's The Rest is Football podcast after an early summer holiday to Barbados with wife Fern and their two daughters. His Big Apple adventure also included conducting a meet and greet with fans, partnering with technology brand Currys and making a trip to Shinnecock Hills to attend the US Open last month.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Rest and Promise
The Real Madrid full-back was another surprise exclusion from the England squad with his absence becoming more of a conversation due to Reece James and Jarell Quansah's injuries. The 27-year-old has largely stayed off social media following the end of the season but did promise to take a break before putting in considerable work over the summer to deliver trophies to the Santiago Bernabeu. He wrote on Instagram: "Madridistas, you have welcomed me with open arms. From the first day I arrived you have had my back. It took me a few months to find rhythm and settle in the new environment. But I feel completely at home now. I will take a good break and put the work in over the summer. I promise we will bring trophies back to this amazing club next season!"
