Thomas Tuchel spent around four hours on Thursday calling disappointed England players, explaining that his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup was designed to navigate every element of a possible seven-week campaign. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with more variables than any other, particularly the conditions. Tuchel has tried to cater for every obstacle rather than just assembling the best names.
Key Selections and Rationale
Both Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins were included for penalties, and Tuchel favoured players who can play in multiple positions due to the demanding conditions. The first XI, especially the front six, largely picks itself: Reece James at right-back, with Elliot Anderson or Declan Rice in midfield, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Kane. This core has new experience winning at the elite level.
However, the squad is thinner beyond that. England's world-class talent is clustered in specific positions, particularly the No. 10 role. Tuchel avoided forcing in all the best names, learning from past mistakes where England struggled with overcrowding in central areas. Stripping down the squad creates space elsewhere.
Notable Omissions
Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Gibbs-White were dropped. Foden has underperformed for Manchester City this season, Palmer is only recently recovering fitness, and Gibbs-White was unlucky but a hard call. Tuchel felt it was overkill to bring more than three No. 10s, especially with Kane and Saka able to fill in. Bellingham remains key, and Tuchel rates Rogers highly, while Eze contributed transformative moments for the champions and is a great personality.
Personality and Squad Dynamics
Jordan Henderson was included for his leadership and ability to police the squad, especially with young players sequestered for seven weeks. Tuchel reportedly has issues with elements of the personalities of Palmer and Harry Maguire, not seeing them as problematic but concerned about how they might react to being left out over a long tournament. Maguire's strident statement after being omitted seemed to vindicate this decision.
The defence remains the thinnest area, lacking a proper passer. Tuchel must work around this, giving himself different options and solutions. The squad feels closer to 'tournament ball' rather than the Premier League intensity he initially envisaged, as seen in the selection of Toney, who offers guaranteed penalties and less fatigue.
Ultimately, Tuchel has stayed true to himself, making big calls for a big tournament. England do not have a perfect squad, but they have one the manager feels can solve enough problems.
