England manager Thomas Tuchel has made several major selection calls ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after leaving out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire from his final squad.
Tuchel is expected to officially unveil his 26-man squad at Wembley on Friday after informing players of their fate on Thursday evening.
The biggest surprise came with the recall of striker Ivan Toney, who returns to the England setup for the first time in 12 months despite playing club football in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.
Toney, who was part of England’s Euro 2024 squad, has not featured for the national team since the friendly defeat to Senegal last June.
The former Brentford striker is expected to provide competition for captain Harry Kane alongside Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins.
Foden and Palmer were among the most notable omissions after difficult seasons with Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.
Morgan Gibbs-White is also expected to miss out despite impressing for Nottingham Forest during the closing stages of the campaign.
England are expected to rely on Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers in attacking midfield positions, while Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are also tipped to make the squad.
Manchester United defender Maguire reacted publicly after learning of his omission.
He said: “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’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.
“I wish the players all the best this summer.”
Maguire’s mother, Zoe, also criticised the decision on social media.
She wrote: “You couldn’t have done any more. Hold your head high … Disgraceful.”
In another post, she added: “Absolute disgusted.”
Tuchel is expected to rely on Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and John Stones in central defence.
Chelsea defenders Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah were also left out, while Luke Shaw failed to make the squad.
Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento and Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence are expected to be included, with Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly tipped to become England’s first-choice left-back.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton also missed out, with Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo returning to contention after regaining his place at club level.
Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are expected to start in midfield, while Jordan Henderson provides experienced cover.
Tuchel, preparing for his first international tournament, will lead England into the World Cup as one of the favourites after the country’s near misses under former manager Gareth Southgate.
England face New Zealand in Tampa on June 6 before taking on Costa Rica in Orlando on June 10 ahead of their opening Group L match against Croatia in Dallas on June 17.
England World Cup squad
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders
John Stones (Manchester City)
