Four players have left England's World Cup camp amid the fallout from Thomas Tuchel's squad selections. Alex Scott, Ethan Nwaneri, Rio Ngumoha and Josh King, who missed out on places in the 26-man squad, have headed home from the US having fulfilled their roles in the pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica. Of the quartet, only Bournemouth's Scott was a genuine contender for a place in the final squad, having been on standby in case of a late injury to a fellow midfielder. His exclusion, however, was not deemed particularly contentious, and the departure of this group has attracted little reaction.
The same cannot be said, though, for several more seasoned players who were snubbed by the German head coach. Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were all left out in the cold.
Maguire's Emotional Response
Manchester United's Maguire, a veteran of three major tournaments, vented his frustration on social media. He wrote: "I was confident I could of (sic) played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had. I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I've loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players all the best this summer."
Maguire's family also weighed in on the matter. Wife Fern posted: "Beyond devastated for you. There was nothing else you could have possibly done to prove your worth. I don't need to tell you how admired you are, just a shame you were up against a single opinion." His mother Zoe was equally furious, writing: "Absolutely disgusted. You couldn't have done any more. Hold your head high... Disgraceful."
Pundits and Former Players React
The omission of creative talents such as Foden and Palmer - coupled with the inclusion of Jordan Henderson, 35 - has also proved controversial in certain circles. Pundit Micah Richards said: "I don't agree in terms of the squad that he's picked because I would have had at least Phil Foden or Cole Palmer in there because in tournaments, there's moments [where you need some magic]. Maguire's tried and trusted, as we know. Trent, I probably would have taken as well. The difference is he wants players who probably are not going to sulk. If you look at the squad that he's picked, is Henderson expected to start? Probably not. [Dan] Burn, [Djed] Spence, [Tino] Livramento and even [Ivan] Toney. They're happy being second fiddle and knowing their role within the squad, so I understand why he's done it. I don't necessarily agree with it."
Former England defender John Terry wasn't happy with the final squad either. He believes Maguire and Shaw should have got the nod, telling Piers Morgan Uncensored: "Harry Maguire being one. For me, he's a better player than Dan Burn and now if the other two get injured, whether that's John Stones coming in, I'd much rather Harry Maguire there and be the one coming in. I think he always poses a big threat from set plays as well late on. I know Dan Burn poses that threat as well, when he can play at left-back, being a left sider. But I would have Harry Maguire there every day of the week. Luke Shaw is another one at left-back. We're looking at Nico O'Reilly playing there. I think someone like him needs someone like Luke Shaw around the place to help him, settle him, give him a little bit of advice because he is the future of us in our next World Cups coming up."
After the controversy surrounding Tuchel's squad selections, the four youngsters have since departed the Kansas training camp, leaving England's World Cup roster firmly finalised.
England's Official World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
- Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence, Reece James
- Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo
- Forwards: Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney
