England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended his controversial World Cup squad selection, insisting balance and teamwork were prioritised ahead of individual talent as the Three Lions prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Tuchel left out several high-profile Premier League stars from his final 26-man squad, including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Adam Wharton and Morgan Gibbs-White.
The German coach instead opted for what he described as a balanced team capable of competing in different match situations during the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Speaking at Wembley on Friday, Tuchel said the focus was not on selecting the country’s most talented players individually.
He said: “From day one, we were very clear that we are trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select the best 26 most-talented players.”
“Teams win championships, it’s as simple as that.”
Tuchel admitted some difficult decisions had to be made but insisted he had no regrets over the omissions.
He said: “It was a given that from these 55 players, we have to leave some extraordinary talents and extraordinary personalities at home.”
“I like these kinds of decisions, even if it took us weeks and sometimes months to verify the decisions.”
“I think they bring clarity, I think they bring a certain edge in the end that is necessary.”
The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain manager said England’s squad was built around specialists capable of handling different tactical scenarios.
He said: “We have specialists with us.”
“Specialists for all kinds of different scenarios: when we’re leading, when we’re chasing a game.”
“We always said we want to be a strong set-piece team so we have specialists for that and we want to be a strong penalty team, we have specialists for that.”
Tuchel also praised the leadership culture within the squad.
He said: “The leadership took care and ownership in a very special way from September onwards.”
“They created a culture, they set the tone, they set the standards and we were very happy with that.”
The 52-year-old stressed that all players selected were fully committed to the team’s objectives.
He said: “I can assure every fan in the country that we have 26 100 per cent committed players in camp with us who know their role.”
Saudi-based striker Ivan Toney emerged as the biggest surprise inclusion after returning to the squad for the first time since Euro 2024.
Tuchel described the Al-Ahli forward as a valuable tactical option alongside captain Harry Kane.
He said: “I think he has very special skills that could help us.”
“I think he can be a very valuable addition to Harry Kane.”
“He is a natural finisher, he can help us with set pieces, he is very strong in the air, very good at using his body.”
Tuchel, who was appointed with a mandate to win the World Cup, said England’s objective is clear.
He said: “The goal is to try to win it and not be shy about it.”
England will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 before facing Ghana and Panama in the group stage.
