Thomas Tuchel leaves out Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer from England’s World Cup squad

• Thomas Tuchel names England’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup
• Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer among major omissions
• Ivan Toney, John Stones and Jordan Henderson all included for tournament

Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup, with some major omissions dominating the headlines after the exclusions of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer.

The England manager confirmed his final selection on Friday morning ahead of this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with Ivan Toney, John Stones and Jordan Henderson all earning places in the squad.

Harry Maguire is another notable absentee after revealing on Thursday evening that he had been informed he would not be travelling to the World Cup.

The Manchester United defender admitted he was “shocked and gutted” by the decision after re-establishing himself at international level earlier this year.

Tuchel’s squad contains several surprise calls.

Toney has been rewarded for his prolific form in Saudi Arabia despite only playing seven minutes under Tuchel so far, while Ollie Watkins returns after scoring consistently for Aston Villa FC since missing out on a previous squad earlier in the season.

England will travel with three recognised striker options in Watkins, Toney and captain Harry Kane, mirroring the setup used at Euro 2024.

Elsewhere, Djed Spence, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze have all been included, while Kobbie Mainoo has edged ahead of Adam Wharton in midfield selection.

Alexander-Arnold’s omission had been anticipated after the Real Madrid CF defender failed to add to his England appearances since last summer, although leaving out a player of his profile still represents a bold move from Tuchel ahead of his first major tournament as England manager.

Foden and Palmer, meanwhile, both endured difficult club seasons with Manchester City FC and Chelsea FC respectively, and Tuchel ultimately decided to prioritise balance, consistency and trust within his squad.

Tino Livramento has also been selected despite injury concerns after missing the past month with a thigh problem.

England have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

Speaking after confirming his squad, Tuchel admitted the selection process had been emotionally draining.

“A lot of phone calls over the last three days. A lot of difficult decisions,” he said.

“I’m feeling between relief and excited and ready to go.

“Once the decisions are made it gives you clarity and I can’t wait to be in the plane.

“I love the tough decisions because they bring in the end clarity, a certain edge.”

Tuchel also explained that trust and leadership heavily influenced his final choices.

“Who do we really trust? Who delivered for us? Who created a culture, especially from September onwards?” he said.

“Who set the standards? Who were the drivers? Who was the leadership group? And we then heavily relied on that because I think the connection has to be there.”