Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for this summer’s World Cup, in a series of dramatic selections that have sent shockwaves through English football.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has also been left out, with the 33-year-old declaring himself “shocked and gutted” by the decision.
The squad, which will travel to the United States, Mexico and Canada for the tournament starting 11 June, includes Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins – who helped his side win the Europa League on Wednesday – and Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who has scored 32 goals in 32 games in the Saudi Arabian league this season.
Star names omitted
Manchester City’s Foden and Chelsea’s Palmer, both attacking midfielders who can also operate as forwards, have had inconsistent seasons by their high standards.
Foden has started only 22 Premier League games for City this season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists across his 32 top-flight appearances.
Palmer has netted nine goals in 25 Premier League games during an injury-hit campaign for Chelsea, who sit eighth in the league after a disappointing season.
Real Madrid’s Alexander-Arnold, one of England’s most celebrated creative defenders, has also been left out, with Tuchel preferring Tottenham’s Djed Spence – who suffered a broken jaw on Tuesday but is expected to wear a protective mask – along with Newcastle’s Dan Burn and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly.
Maguire ‘shocked and gutted’
In a post on Instagram, Maguire confirmed his devastation at missing the tournament.
“I was confident I could have 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 wish the players all the best,” he wrote.
Maguire’s mother, Zoe, posted on social media to express her disappointment, saying she was “disgusted” by the decision.
Maguire’s Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw has also been omitted despite an impressive season. Shaw was named in Tuchel’s 55-man provisional squad, but the manager ultimately opted against including him.
Surprise inclusions and absentees
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has missed out despite being the top-scoring English player in the Premier League this season, alongside Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, on 14 goals.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori are also out, though Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has made the cut.
He joins his Premier League-winning team-mates Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze, who is rewarded for his excellent form with a place in the 26.
Manchester City defender John Stones has been included despite his injury-disrupted campaign. Tuchel views Stones as a key player but has been concerned about the departing Manchester City man’s fitness.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton misses out, but Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo keeps his place after earning a recall for previous friendlies.
Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, a mainstay under Tuchel, keeps his place, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha and Fulham’s Josh King will travel for a training camp in Florida and could feature in warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Brighton’s Jason Steele will be part of the squad as a training goalkeeper throughout the tournament.
England’s group stage fixtures
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June, before further group matches against Ghana and Panama.
The team will warm up with friendlies against New Zealand on 6 June and Costa Rica on 10 June.
Analysis: Tuchel picks on form, not reputation
Former England defender Phil Jagielka said Tuchel had “stuck to his guns” with the selections.
“It’s not been a great season for either Phil Foden or Cole Palmer,” Jagielka told BBC Sport. “Usually for England you get to keep your place on your name, but Tuchel wants to pick on form and chemistry, so I’m not surprised.”
On the inclusion of Ivan Toney, Jagielka suggested the Al-Ahli striker may serve as a penalty specialist. “It’s going to be a very hot tournament, so he wants to bring a pretty fresh Ivan Toney. Having a few extra numbers allows you to take specialists for specific occasions.”
On Maguire’s omission, Jagielka added: “I think Maguire’s form this year has put him in as good a position as he could have been in, but Tuchel’s stuck to his guns and you’ve got to respect that.”
