England manager Thomas Tuchel has unveiled his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup in the United States this summer, making several surprising selections and notable omissions. The squad includes Brentford striker Ivan Toney, now playing for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League, who returns to the international fold after a 12-month absence. Tottenham full-back Djed Spence earns a shock call-up despite suffering a broken jaw midweek, and is expected to play with a protective face mask.
Key Inclusions and Exclusions
Spence's inclusion comes at the expense of Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold, suggesting Tuchel does not rate the right-back highly. Spence's versatility—able to play both right and left back—was a factor, especially given injury-plagued seasons for Reece James and Tino Livramento. Nico O'Reilly is at left back, and Dan Burn also makes the cut, with Spence providing cover on both flanks.
Notably absent are Harry Maguire and Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White. Maguire expressed his frustration publicly, posting 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.' His mother Zoe said she was 'absolutely disgusted,' while his brother Joe called it 'possibly the worst decision I've ever seen in my life.'
Phil Foden misses out due to lack of game time at Manchester City, while Cole Palmer is omitted after struggling with form and fitness at Chelsea. Eberechi Eze earns a spot after a standout season at Arsenal, and Ollie Watkins returns following Aston Villa's Europa League triumph. Noni Madueke gets the nod over Jarrod Bowen, and Kobbie Mainoo is rewarded for his improved form at Manchester United.
Analysis
John Cross: 'Thomas Tuchel has been brutal and ruthless with some huge calls for England's World Cup squad. He dumped the likes of Phil Foden, Harry Maguire, and Cole Palmer while bringing back Ivan Toney after 12 months in the wilderness. These are massive decisions and huge gambles, but this is a manager who has no time for reputations.'
Andy Dunn: 'You cannot laud Tuchel for his managerial record and plain-speaking approach and then hammer him for making ballsy calls. Ivan Toney is a bold selection, but in critical end-of-game situations, he is as steely as they come. The fact that Harry Maguire has kicked off about not being in the squad probably tells you why Tuchel left him out—he is not big on egos.'
England's squad will be officially announced via the FA's new app, with a press conference scheduled for 11am. The team departs for the United States later this month.
