'Tuchel's wildcard picks and iron will position him as the anti-Southgate'
Tuchel's daring World Cup squad selections position him as the anti-Southgate.
BBC News1 min read
Tuchel leaves Palmer and Foden out of England’s 2026 World Cup squad
TL;DR
Thomas Tuchel has excluded Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from England's 2026 World Cup squad, alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold. Ivan Toney's inclusion is a surprising decision as Tuchel aims to lead England to their first major tournament win in 60 years.
Key points
- Cole Palmer and Phil Foden excluded from England's World Cup squad
- Trent Alexander-Arnold also left out
- Ivan Toney included as a surprise selection
- Tuchel aims to win England's first major tournament in 60 years
- Foden and Palmer were key in Euro 2024 final run
Mentioned in this story
Cole PalmerPhil FodenTrent Alexander-ArnoldIvan ToneyThomas Tuchel
Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were among a number of high-profile names excluded by Thomas Tuchel from England’s World Cup squad.
Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was also left out from the squad announced on Friday, with Saudi-based Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney the surprise inclusion.
Tuchel, a Champions League winner during his time at Chelsea, has been hired to end England’s 60-year wait to win a major international tournament.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich boss has made a series of bold calls which will be harshly judged if the Three Lions fall short of glory in the coming weeks.
Foden and Palmer played a major role in England’s run to the final of Euro 2024.
However, Manchester City’s Foden and Chelsea playmaker Palmer have paid the price for poor seasons with their clubs.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also been overlooked despite being two of the highest-scoring Englishmen in the Premier League this season.
Veteran Brentford midfielder and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been included at the expense of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire said on Thursday he was shocked at not being included.
“I was confident I could [have] played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” the 33-year-old posted on social media.
“I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.”
Maguire’s Manchester United teammate Luke Shaw has also been overlooked.
Tuchel has taken a risk on centre-back John Stones despite his lack of involvement at Manchester City during an injury-hit season.
Toney made an impact off the bench at the Euros two years ago, but has played only two minutes of international football since after moving to Saudi Arabia in 2024.
England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, before playing Ghana on June 23 and Panama four days later.
England’s 2026 World Cup squad
Q&A
Why were Cole Palmer and Phil Foden left out of England's World Cup squad?
Thomas Tuchel made the decision to exclude them as part of his bold squad selections for the tournament.
Who are the notable players included in England's 2026 World Cup squad?
Ivan Toney is a surprising inclusion, while high-profile players like Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were left out.
What is Thomas Tuchel's goal with the England national team?
Tuchel aims to end England's 60-year wait for a major international tournament victory.
