Thomas Tuchel has named his England squad for this summer's World Cup, handing a shock call-up to Ivan Toney, picking Djed Spence over the exiled Trent Alexander-Arnold and, as expected, finding no space for Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.
Tuchel, charged with leading England to glory in Canada, Mexico and the US, called players about his plans on Wednesday and Thursday and confirmed his selection on Friday.
Surprise Inclusions
The German has gone against the public mood with some calls, not least with the decision to bring in Toney from the cold. The Al-Ahli striker has not played for England since June 2025 but has scored 42 goals for the Saudi Pro League side this season and was part of Gareth Southgate's squad at Euro 2024.
Tuchel admitted even he did not expect to pick Toney and said he had consulted the striker's club manager, Matthias Jaissle. 'A bit of a surprise to us but when it came down to all different kinds of scenarios he was back in the picture. I had fantastic feedback from his club coach, who was my player. He still collects the numbers. I think he has very special skills, meaning the scenario where we are chasing a result he can be a presence in the box when we are pushing for a goal. He can take attention off other strikers. He has a natural presence, he is a natural finisher. He is very strong in the air and he is a world-class penalty taker.'
Striker Options
Tuchel, perhaps surprisingly, has picked two strikers to provide cover for Harry Kane, with Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins also included. That meant the available slots in the No 10 position went to Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, leaving no room for Palmer and Foden after disappointing seasons for Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. Palmer has struggled for form and fitness, and Tuchel is thought to have reservations over whether the 24-year-old has the personality for a camp that could last seven weeks.
Midfield and Defence
Tuchel believes Bellingham and Rogers can bring the best out of each other. 'They can play together,' he said. 'If they compete for one position it is possible to compete as accomplices, not enemies. Jude and Morgan are friends anyway. It is possible to fight but still support your friend. We took a lot of care about that – that this energy is right.'
Creating the right environment in the camp was a huge priority for Tuchel, who did not hesitate to leave out some of the country's biggest talents. 'I think from day one we were very clear we were trying to select and build the best possible team,' he said. 'It is not necessarily to select the most talented 26 players. Teams win championships.'
With Morgan Gibbs-White also excluded, Tuchel has not been afraid to make some unpopular decisions. There will be many England fans wondering why Alexander-Arnold has not made the cut. The Real Madrid right-back has not been in a squad since last June, though, and Tuchel has gone on the record to say he does not trust him defensively.
Alexander-Arnold was so low down the pecking order that the last name to be confirmed in the squad was Spence, who has been in and out of the Tottenham side this season. Spence also sustained a broken jaw after being fouled by Chelsea's Liam Delap on Tuesday.
The other full-backs are Reece James, Tino Livramento and Nico O'Reilly. Luke Shaw and Myles Lewis-Skelly can consider themselves unfortunate not to be included. Maguire, who has 66 caps, was less than impressed to be left out. The United centre-back said he was 'shocked and gutted' on Thursday evening and there were angry social media posts from some members of his family.
Maguire's Reaction
Maguire's reaction did not go down well with Tuchel. 'I was a bit surprised but I respect his personality a lot, I respect his quality a lot,' he said. 'He had an outstanding season. I can see the reason behind his disappointment. Still I was surprised as we had a private conversation.'
With Maguire excluded Tuchel's centre-backs are John Stones, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and Jarrel Quansah. Konsa and Quansah can cover at right-back and Burn can play on the left.
There was an insistence that it was not a risk to take Stones. 'Otherwise I would not have picked him,' Tuchel said. 'He is a world-class player. He knows how to adapt to a winning culture.'
Midfield and Attack
Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jordan Henderson were guaranteed picks in midfield, while Kobbie Mainoo's fine form for United since the turn of the year meant he edged out Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and James Garner.
Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke were chosen over Jarrod Bowen on the right wing; Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon will compete for a spot on the left. The goalkeepers are Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson and James Trafford, with Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale overlooked. Jason Steele will go as a fourth training goalkeeper.
Scott, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King will go to Florida with England for the buildup next month to cover for the Arsenal players at the Champions League final.
Tuchel is hungry for success and said winning the World Cup would require nerves of steel. 'I am a competitor,' he said. 'I arrive in the US with hunger.'
