England head coach Thomas Tuchel has sent shockwaves through international football after naming his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ruthlessly axing several high-profile stars.
The biggest headlines come from the omissions of Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who have paid the price for poor domestic campaigns.
Tuchel, hired to end the Three Lions’ 60-year trophy drought, firmly defended his bold gambles at a Wembley press conference, stating he prioritizes team synergy over pure talent.
Among the eye-catching decisions is the inclusion of Saudi-based striker Ivan Toney alongside Aston Villa’s in-form frontman Ollie Watkins.
Meanwhile, veteran Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson returns to provide tournament experience, while a shocked Harry Maguire joins the list of major casualties left at home.
England will begin their World Cup quest against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, before navigating further Group L tests against Ghana and Panama.
England World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento, Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi, John Stones, Nico O’Reilly (all Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)