Tuchel reveals England squad for 2026 World Cup amid shocking surprises
England coach Thomas Tuchel announced on Friday (May 22nd) the 2026 World Cup squad for the 2026 World Cup, with a number of English football names excluded: Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jarrod Bowen, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Luke Shaw.
The decisions sparked widespread controversy, with Maguire, 33, expressing his shock and frustration on Instagram, stressing that he believed he could play an important role in the tournament.
Foden and Palmer's dismissal also came after a fluctuating season for both of them, with Foden scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists in the league, while Palmer was content with 9 goals in an injury-plagued season.
Harry Kane leads the attack... 9 new names in the debut of the World Cup
Harry Kane tops the England squad for his third World Cup, alongside veteran players such as Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Marcus Rashford, while Jordan Henderson prepares for his fourth World Cup appearance.
Tuchel also called up Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney after scoring 32 goals in 32 games in the Saudi league, in addition to Ollie Watkins, who contributed to Aston Villa's Europa League title.
The list included 9 players who are making their World Cup debuts, including: James Trafford, Tino Livramento, Nico O'Reilly, Jed Spence, Dan Byrne, Jarrell Kwansah, Elliot Anderson, Noni Madueke and Morgan Rodgers.
Pre-tournament preparation program
England will enter a camp in Florida from June 1, then play two friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica on June 6 and 10, before starting their campaign in Group 12 that includes Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
England's final squad for the 2026 World Cup
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, James Trafford
Defenders: Dan Byrne, Tino Livramento, Mark Guéhy, Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Reece James, Ezri Kunsa, Jarrell Kwansah, Jed Spence.
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Iberiche Eze, Jordan Henderson, Kobe Mayno, Declan Rice, Morgan Rodgers.
Forwards: Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins.