England’s anticipated World Cup squad named as Thomas Tuchel brings again objective machine
Thomas Tuchel will announce his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday and there are set to be some huge surprises, with a goal machine earning a recall and megastars among those left out
Thomas Tuchel is set to make controversial inclusions to his England World Cup squad(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS, AFP via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel is set to officially confirm his 26-man England squad for this summer’s World Cup in North America but the German has already come under increasing scrutiny as some of his controversial selections leak.
Among those, Ivan Toney has been handed a sensational World Cup call-up. Tuchel is set to include Toney in his 26-man squad when he announces it on Friday. The 30-year-old, who’s been out of the international scene for the past year, has netted an impressive 32 goals in 32 matches for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
It was reported on May 11 that Tuchel was contemplating recalling the former Brentford forward, and he will be given the green light amidst some significant omissions.
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Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire have all been dropped, while Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Jordan Henderson, and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to make the grade.
Watkins, who was dropped from England’s previous squad in March, has been recognised for his exceptional form since then, including clinching the Europa League final.
Foden has been overlooked due to limited game time at Manchester City, while Palmer has also been left out due to struggles with form and fitness this season.
Luke Shaw has been omitted, and his Manchester United team-mate Maguire has also been axed by the uncompromising Tuchel, likely signalling the end of his England career.
Despite enjoying a superb second half of the season, 33-year-old Maguire had hoped to make the cut, despite Tuchel stating in March that he was effectively the sixth choice centre-back behind the likes of Dan Burn as well as Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and John Stones.
Maguire released a statement, expressing: “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.”
Tuchel is set to announce his 26-man squad on Friday, with the team scheduled to jet off to Florida on June 1, although Arsenal’s representatives won’t link up until later in the week.
England will kick off their World Cup campaign in Dallas against Croatia on June 17.
England squad (possible): Pickford, Henderson, Trafford
James, Quansah, Konsa, Stones, Guehi, O’Reilly, Burn, Lewis-Skelly, Livramento
Rice, Anderson, Mainoo, Henderson, Rogers, Eze, Bellingham
Saka, Madueke, Rashford, Gordon, Kane, Watkins, Toney
