Thomas Tuchel has made several surprising decisions in naming England's 26-man World Cup squad, omitting Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Harry Maguire while recalling Ivan Toney. The squad, to be announced on Friday, was preceded by emotional calls from Tuchel to the players left out.
Harry Maguire, who has enjoyed a resurgence at Manchester United this season, expressed his shock and disappointment on social media. "I was confident I could have 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," he wrote.
In attack, Foden and Palmer were left out due to underwhelming seasons at Manchester City and Chelsea respectively. Morgan Gibbs-White is also likely to miss out. The No 10 positions will instead be filled by Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers, with Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Gordon preferred on the wings.
Tuchel has turned to Ivan Toney, who has not played for England since June 2024, as backup for captain Harry Kane. Ollie Watkins is expected to provide further competition. The defensive line will feature Marc Guéhi, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and John Stones, with Luke Shaw among the notable absentees.
The squad also includes Tino Livramento and Djed Spence in defence, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Garner were in contention but appear to have missed out. Midfielder Adam Wharton has also been left out.
