England’s shock FIFA World Cup squad: Foden, Palmer and Trent ax Tuchel

England head coach Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several key players missing ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America. Among the biggest omissions are Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will be watching the tournament from home after being left out of Tuchel’s plans.

England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, before facing Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27 in Group L.

Tuchel’s first team at a major tournament since taking over as England manager has already sparked debate with a number of eye-catching suspensions. Along with Foden, Palmer and Alexander-Arnold, he was there no place for Harry MaguireMorgan Gibbs-White, Luke Shaw, Adam Wharton and James Garner.

Foden and Palmer are the most high-profile attacking absentees after difficult domestic campaigns with Manchester City and Chelsea. With both players facing strong competition in attacking midfield and wide areas, Tuchel opted for a different balance in his squad.

The omission of Alexander-Arnold is another crucial decision by the English boss. The Real Madrid right-back has not featured regularly for England since last summer and Tuchel ultimately decided not to invite him to the World Cup.

Maguire’s omission also attracted attention, especially after the defender reacted publicly on social media. The Manchester United centre-back said he was “shocked and gutted” when he learned of Tuchel’s decision ahead of the official announcement. Information about several omissions leaked out on the eve of the team reveal, allowing many to piece together large parts of the team ahead of time.

One of the biggest surprises in the lineup was the inclusion of Ivan Toney. The Al Ahli forward has barely featured under Tuchel and has played just two minutes for England since the German coach took charge. However, Toney’s prolific scoring form in Saudi Arabia appears to have convinced Tuchel to give him a call-up.

Ollie Watkins also returned to the line-up after a strong end to the season with Aston Villa. Watkins has scored consistently since missing out on the England squad in March and is expected to compete with Toney for the back-up striker role behind captain Harry Kane.

Kane will once again lead England’s attack as they chase a first World Cup title since 1966. Tuchel has also shown faith in a young and dynamic midfield group that includes Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson, all of whom have impressed at club level this season.

There were also concerns about the fitness of some selected players. Tino Livramento was included despite missing last month with a thigh injury, while Djed Spence earned a place despite reports he suffered a broken jaw earlier this week.

ENGLAND SQUAD FOR THE FIFA WORLD CUP

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

Defenders: Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Tino Livramento

Midfielders: Starring: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze

Forward: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

22 May 2026 14:55 IST

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