England manager Thomas Tuchel has omitted Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold from his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, citing poor recent form, according to TNT Sports.
Key Exclusions and Surprise Inclusions
The squad features a dramatic return for striker Ivan Toney, who earned his spot after scoring 32 goals in 32 matches for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League this season.
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Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins also secured his place shortly after helping his club win the UEFA Europa League.
Real Madrid defender Alexander-Arnold missed the cut just one year after his transfer from Liverpool, while Manchester United defender Harry Maguire expressed disbelief at his exclusion.
"I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had," Maguire said.
"I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best."
The exclusion of Chelsea's 24-year-old Palmer and Manchester City's 25-year-old Foden marks a significant shift, as both played in the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Palmer struggled with injuries, missing 26 matches across all competitions for Chelsea, contributing to both players failing to replicate their previous international form.
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Tuchel finalized his squad with Manchester City defenders John Stones and Marc Guehi, Tottenham's Djed Spence, and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White missed out despite scoring 14 Premier League goals this season, tying him with Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the top-scoring English players in the league.
The squad aims to secure England's first major international trophy in 60 years, building on recent deep tournament runs including Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals, the 2018 World Cup semifinals, and the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals.
The complete 26-man roster includes goalkeepers Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, and James Trafford; defenders Reece James, Tino Livramento, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Jarell Quansah, Nico O'Reilly, Dan Burn, and Djed Spence.
Midfielders are Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Kobbie Mainoo, and Eberechi Eze.
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Forwards are Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Gordon.
