Palmer, Foden and Maguire miss out as Tuchel names England World Cup squad

LONDON: England head coach Thomas Tuchel on Friday unveiled his squad for the World Cup, leaving out several prominent names including Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire, while handing a place to Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney.

The omissions were among the most notable decisions in Tuchel’s selection as he prepares for a tournament that England hope will end a 60-year wait for a major international title. Tuchel, who previously won the Champions League with Chelsea and has also managed Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, has made a number of high-profile calls ahead of the competition.

Palmer and Foden had both been important figures in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, but the Chelsea and Manchester City players respectively were not included this time after difficult club seasons. Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was also left out.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin were overlooked as well, despite being among the highest-scoring English players in the Premier League this season. Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson, now at Brentford and formerly Liverpool captain, was selected ahead of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Tuchel said informing players that they would not be travelling to the United States had been a difficult process.

It was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult and like even in the phone calls I felt the emotion.

he 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 said he was eager for the tournament to begin and to return fully to coaching duties.

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.

he said.

Surprise inclusion and defensive gamble

Toney’s inclusion was one of the biggest surprises in the squad. The striker made an impact as a substitute at the Euros two years ago, but since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2024 he has played only two minutes of international football.

Tuchel has also retained faith in centre-back John Stones despite the defender’s limited involvement for Manchester City during an injury-affected season. Luke Shaw, another Manchester United defender, was not selected.

Maguire had said on Thursday that he was stunned by his omission. The 33-year-old wrote on social media:

I was confident I could (have) played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had.

and added:

I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision.

England’s group-stage fixtures

England will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. They will then face Ghana on June 23 before taking on Panama four days later.

The squad named by Tuchel is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City).

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento, Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi, John Stones, Nico O'Reilly (all Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham).

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle).