Thomas Tuchel makes shock England World Cup squad choices as Palmer and Foden axed
Thomas Tuchel has made a number of huge decisions regarding his England 2026 World Cup, including the axing of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden from his 26-man squad
Thomas Tuchel has made some bold decisions in his England World Cup squad(Image: Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel has reportedly axed Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold from his England 2026 World Cup squad.
Tuchel was due to name his 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in North America but reports have emerged regarding several key decisions. The Three Lions boss is said to have started making phone calls 48 hours before his squad is officially announced; however, his selections are continuing to emerge.
Harry Maguire was the first major absentee from the squad as the Manchester United defender missed out on the squad despite being central to Michael Carrick’s resurgent squad over the second half of the season.
Maguire has been left stunned by the decision, as he said on his omission: “I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision. I wish the players all the best.”
More huge decisions have emerged with Chelsea ace and Euro 2024 final goalscorer Palmer said to be missing out. Foden has paid the price for a poor 18 months at Manchester City as he has reportedly failed to make the 26-man squad, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is another player expected to be a casualty. All three were set to be the future of the England national team but they have not done enough to impress the German.
Fellow United defender Luke Shaw has also reportedly been omitted. Newcastle star Lewis Hall is expected to be another shock exclusion – a decision that could benefit his club team-mate Tino Livramento.
At centre-back, Levi Colwill is likely to miss out after returning from a serious ACL injury in recent weeks. Dan Burn is looking a likely inclusion with the Newcastle star able to deputise at left-back as well in his preferred position as centre-back. Fikayo Tomori and Trevoh Chalobah have also missed out.
Kobbie Mainoo is set to be United’s representative in the squad, but his reported inclusion is said to have come at Adam Wharton’s expense with the Crystal Palace man overlooked.
Noni Madueke’s joy of becoming a Premier League champion is set to extend into the summer with the Arsenal winger reportedly included in the squad as back-up to Bukayo Saka, with Jarrod Bowen missing out.
Ollie Watkins is due to follow up his Europa League triumph, alongside Morgan Rogers, by earning their places in Tuchel’s squad. Ivan Toney is also said to be a shock inclusion having last played for the Three Lions in the 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal last July.
More to follow…
This is a breaking sports story and is being constantly updated with the latest news, pictures and videos. Please refresh the page regularly.
You can also get email updates on the day’s biggest sports stories straight to your inbox by signing up for our sports newsletter.
Get all the very best sports news, pictures, opinion and video by following Daily Star every time you see our name.
Follow Daily Star on Google News – CLICK HERE and click the star
Follow Daily Star on Apple News – CLICK HERE available on Apple devices
Follow Daily Star on Flipboard – CLICK HERE and click follow You can also sign up for Twitter alerts for breaking news by following @DailyStar_Sport and follow us @dailystar for all the latest updates.
Keep up-to-date with your must-see sports stories, features, videos and pictures throughout the day by following us on Facebook at Daily Star Football | London
