Thomas Tuchel has made several surprise decisions for England's World Cup squad, omitting Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Harry Maguire, while recalling Ivan Toney. The 26-man party will be announced on Friday, with Tuchel spending Thursday evening informing players of their fate.
Maguire expressed his shock and disappointment on social media, stating he was 'gutted' after a strong season with Manchester United. His mother also criticised the decision online. Foden and Palmer have struggled for form and fitness, losing their places to the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers.
Toney, now playing in Saudi Arabia, earns a recall after a year out of the squad. He will join Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins as the three strikers, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Solanke, and Danny Welbeck missing out. Tuchel's defensive picks include Marc Guéhi, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and John Stones, with Luke Shaw and Levi Colwill omitted.
In midfield and attack, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are preferred on the left, while Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke edge out Jarrod Bowen on the right. Tino Livramento and Djed Spence are included despite injuries, but Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Garner miss out. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton also fails to make the cut.
