LONDON – England national team manager Thomas Tuchel will announce the official squad that will compete in the 2026 World Cup, Friday, May 22, 2026. There has only been a surprise from the England squad because Tuchel has cut out defender Harry Maguire and attacking midfielder Cole Palmer.
It has not been officially announced but Tuchel has already made a fuss in English football for erasing a number of top players. Maguire, who is back in the spotlight, is guarding the Manchester United defense and is the first player not to be taken to the United States, Canada and Mexico.
This was a surprise because Maguire actually showed his best performance when Man Utd was handled by interim manager Michael Carrick. He got a place back in the starting lineup and led the Red Devils to the third place and qualified for the Champions League this season.
Maguire actually was called up by Tuchel in the last trial against Uruguay and Japan. In that match, Maguire played the full game when playing a 1-1 draw against Uruguay. Likewise when losing to Japan, the center back who has 66 caps was still sent down by Tuchel.
However, the 33-year-old still failed to entice the German manager to take him to the 2026 World Cup. His teammate at Man Utd, Luke Shaw, was also not included in the squad.
In Tuchel’s back sector, interestingly, he even included Reece James who was less shining at Chelsea. Likewise, Tino Livramento, Newcastle United defender and John Stones who often sit out due to injury with Manchester City this season. On the other hand, Tuchel brought Arsenal’s young defender Myles Lewis-Skelly who actually rarely gets a chance to play.
Maguire himself admitted he was disappointed to fail to make the Three Lions squad. Moreover, he originally believed he would get a call if he looked at his performance over the past few months, especially after gaining Carrick’s trust.
“I actually believe I will play for the national team after the season I’ve had. To be honest, I’m surprised and disappointed by the decision,” Maguire said, quoted by The Sun.
“I love this shirt [England] and have played for the country for many years. I wish the players success at the World Cup,” he said again.
The next surprise from Tuchel by not including Cole Palmer and Phil Foden. Palmer’s erratic performance, especially when he was injured, made the 24-year-old fail to make the squad.
However, Palmer is often the key in the national team. He scored a goal in the 2024 European Cup final when Harry Kane was stuck. However, England eventually lost 2-1 to Spain.
Palmer, who has only played 14 times for the national team, also contributed a goal when defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-0 in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. However, Palmer’s impressive record in the national team did not attract Tuchel’s attention.
Likewise, Foden who sank at Man City. After bringing the Cityzens to the treble in 2023, Foden’s performance did not improve. In fact, this season, he is only a substitute for Rayan Cherki.
Not only those who were cut but the players who got a call from Tuchel were also beyond expectations. Forward Ivan Toney who plays in the Saudi Arabian league by strengthening Al-Ahli was actually called by the former Chelsea manager. Interestingly, Toney only played once under Tuchel. He also did not get a call during the last four matches.
However, Toney actually entered the squad after scoring 32 goals in 32 matches in Saudi Arabia. The question is, the quality of the league in Saudi Arabia is clearly still below the top European leagues. In addition, in the English Premier League, Toney only played for the mediocre club Brentford.
Tuchel also retained veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson. Although his performance has declined and he only played in Saudi Arabia, then moved to the Netherlands and finally played at Brentford, this 35-year-old player was included in the national team. Henderson will be the oldest player in the England squad because Tuchel even cut out midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White who is the mainstay of Nottingham Forest.
The estimated 26 England players called up by Tuchel.
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford; back: Reece James, Tino Livramento, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Midfield: Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Kobbie Mainoo, Elliot Anderson; front: Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford
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