Thomas Tuchel has made several surprise selections 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 at Wembley on Friday, with Tuchel spending Thursday evening informing players of their fate.
Maguire, who has 66 caps, expressed his shock and disappointment on social media, saying he was 'gutted' after a strong season. His mother Zoe called the decision 'disgraceful'. Foden and Palmer have struggled for form and fitness respectively, losing their places to the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, and Morgan Rogers in the No.10 positions.
Toney, now playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, earns his first call-up in 12 months. He will compete with Ollie Watkins as backup to Harry Kane. Other strikers like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke missed out.
In defence, Tuchel has opted for Marc Guéhi, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and John Stones, leaving out Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah. Luke Shaw is also absent, with Nico O'Reilly expected to start at left-back. Djed Spence and Tino Livramento are included despite injury concerns.
Midfielders Adam Wharton and James Garner have not made the cut, while Trent Alexander-Arnold's hopes of a recall appear dashed. The squad will travel to Florida for a pre-tournament training camp next week.
