Tuchel Stuns England by Dropping Palmer, Foden for World Cup 2026
Theo Al Jazeera English
Thomas Tuchel has stunned England by leaving out Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold from the 2026 World Cup squad. Ivan Toney earns a surprise recall despite limited minutes in Saudi Arabia.
Thomas Tuchel announced England's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday, delivering shock decisions by omitting big names including Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Palmer (Chelsea) and Foden (Manchester City) played pivotal roles in England's run to the Euro 2024 final but their dip in club form this season cost them a ticket to America. Real Madrid right-back Alexander-Arnold was also left out, while striker Ivan Toney, currently playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, emerged as the most unexpected inclusion.
Addressing the tough calls, Tuchel said: “It's difficult, sometimes painful. I called every player who has been involved at least once to show appreciation and respect for what they have done.”
The German coach, a Champions League winner with Chelsea, was appointed to end England's 60-year trophy drought. He added: “I feel somewhere between relief, excitement, and readiness. Once decisions are made, it brings clarity to the squad.”
Center-back Harry Maguire (Manchester United) voiced shock at his exclusion: “I'm confident I could have made a big contribution this summer based on my performances. I'm shocked and disappointed.” Fellow defender Luke Shaw was also omitted.
Tuchel placed his faith in John Stones despite the center-back's injury-hit and limited season at Manchester City. Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson (Brentford) earned a spot over Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), while Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) and Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds) were overlooked despite being the top-scoring Englishmen in the Premier League this campaign.
Toney has played only two minutes of international football since his move to Saudi Arabia in 2024, though he made an impact as a substitute at Euro 2024.
England open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, followed by clashes with Ghana (June 23) and Panama (June 27).
England Squad for World Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford.
Defenders: Reece James, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Nico O'Reilly, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, Djed Spence.
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze.
Forwards: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon.
