Thomas Tuchel has defended his controversial England World Cup squad selections, insisting he prioritised team spirit and specialists over individual talent. The German coach left out high-profile players including Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden, while including less fancied names like Ivan Toney and John Stones.
Speaking to the press on Friday, Tuchel said: 'It's not selecting the most talented players. Teams win championships and what we are trying to achieve can only be achieved with a team. We chose a very balanced squad.' He added that every selected player is '100 per cent committed' and knows their role.
Tuchel emphasised the importance of specialists for set pieces and penalties, noting Toney's skills in those areas. He also defended Stones, who has not played a full Premier League game since August, calling him a 'world class player' and 'proven winner'.
The squad includes Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, and James Trafford as goalkeepers, with defenders such as Ezri Konsa, John Stones, and Dan Burn. Midfielders include Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Jordan Henderson, while forwards feature Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, and Marcus Rashford.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June, followed by matches against Ghana and Panama.
