Thomas Tuchel Omits Palmer, Foden from England World Cup Squad

Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were among several high-profile players omitted by Thomas Tuchel from England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was also left out of the squad announced on Friday, with Saudi-based Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney a surprise inclusion.

Tuchel, who won the Champions League during his time at Chelsea, was hired to end England’s 60-year wait for a major international trophy.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich manager has made a series of bold decisions that will be sharply criticized if England falls short of glory in the coming weeks.

Foden and Palmer played a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

However, Manchester City’s Foden and Chelsea playmaker Palmer have paid the price for poor seasons at their clubs.

Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin have also been overlooked despite being among the top English scorers in the Premier League this season.

Veteran Brentford midfielder and former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was included at the expense of Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire said on Thursday he was shocked at being excluded.

“I was confident I could [have] played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” the 33-year-old posted on social media.

“I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.”

Maguire’s Manchester United teammate Luke Shaw was also overlooked.

Tuchel has taken a risk on centre-back John Stones despite his limited involvement for Manchester City due to an injury-hit season.

Toney made an impact off the bench at the Euros two years ago but has played only two minutes of international football since moving to Saudi Arabia in 2024.

England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, followed by matches against Ghana on June 23 and Panama four days later.

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.