England’s World Cup squad: Toney and Spence in, Alexander-Arnold out

Thomas Tuchel named his England squad for the World Cup, handing a shock call-up to Ivan Toney, selecting Djed Spence over the omitted Trent Alexander-Arnold and, as expected, leaving out Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.

Tuchel, tasked with leading England to victory in the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, contacted players about his plans Wednesday and Thursday and confirmed the selection Friday morning.

The German coach went against public sentiment with some decisions, particularly by bringing Toney back from the cold. The Al-Ahli striker has not played for England since June 2025 but scored 42 goals for the Saudi Pro League club and was part of Gareth Southgate’s squad at Euro 2024. Tuchel, perhaps surprisingly, selected two strikers to back up Harry Kane, including Toney.

That left the available No. 10 slots for Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze, leaving no room for Palmer and Foden after disappointing seasons with Chelsea and Manchester City respectively. Palmer struggled with form and fitness, and Tuchel is believed to have doubts about whether the 24-year-old has the temperament for a camp that could last seven weeks.

With Morgan Gibbs-White also omitted, Tuchel has not shied away from unpopular decisions. Many England fans will wonder why Alexander-Arnold was left out. The Real Madrid right-back has not been in a squad since last June, and Tuchel has said publicly he does not trust him defensively.

Alexander-Arnold was so far down the pecking order that Spence was the last name confirmed in the squad. Spence, who has been in and out of the Tottenham lineup this season, also sustained a broken jaw after being fouled by Chelsea’s Liam Delap on Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

The other full-backs selected are Reece James, Tino Livramento and Nico O’Reilly. Luke Shaw and Myles Lewis-Skelly can consider themselves unfortunate to miss out. Maguire, who has 66 caps, was upset to be omitted. The Manchester United center back said he was “shocked and gutted” on Thursday evening, and some family members posted angry messages on social media.

With Maguire left out, Tuchel’s center backs are John Stones, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and Jarell Quansah. Konsa and Quansah can cover at right back, and Burn can play on the left.

Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jordan Henderson were guaranteed selections in midfield, while Kobbie Mainoo’s strong form for Manchester United since the turn of the year helped him edge out Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and James Garner.

Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke were chosen over Jarrod Bowen on the right wing, while Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon will compete for the left wing spot. The goalkeepers are Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson and James Trafford, with Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale overlooked. Jason Steele will serve as a fourth training goalkeeper.