Thomas Tuchel left out Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold from England’s World Cup squad on Friday, while Ivan Toney earned a surprise recall after nearly two years away from international football.
Tuchel has taken charge of England to end the country’s long wait for a major trophy. The German coach has chosen mobility, fitness and physical intensity over reputation in several key positions.
Palmer and Foden helped England reach the Euro 2024 final, but both players struggled for consistency during the club season. Tuchel also overlooked Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin despite strong Premier League scoring numbers.
Jordan Henderson kept his place ahead of Adam Wharton, while John Stones secured selection despite an injury-hit campaign at Manchester City. Tuchel appears ready to trust experience and tactical discipline in central areas rather than rely on form alone.
“It was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult and like even in the phone calls I felt the emotion,” Tuchel said.
“So I called all players that were with us in camp at least one time, I called them, I wanted to show at least the appreciation and the respect for what they have done.”
Tuchel also admitted relief after finalising the squad.
“Now I’m feeling in between relieved and excited and ready to go because once you get the energy back and once you see the excitement of the players that you chose and then once the decisions are made it gives you a certain edge, it gives clarity.”
Harry Maguire criticised the decision after Tuchel omitted him from the squad.
“I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” Maguire posted on social media.
“I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.”
Tuchel’s selections suggest he wants defenders who can cover space quickly and midfielders who can sustain pressure without the ball. England will open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 before facing Ghana and Panama in Group H.
England, 26-man squad named
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guéhi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
