England coach Thomas Tuchel announced this Friday (22) the call-up of the 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, without the presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, big names in European football.
The surprise on the list released by the English Federation is Ivan Toney, a 30-year-old striker who scored 32 goals in 32 matches in the current season in the Saudi league for Al-Ahli, called up to be captain Harry Kane’s backup, alongside Ollie Watkins.
Hired to end England’s 60-year title drought, German Tuchel made several controversial decisions that could backfire on him if the team doesn’t have a good campaign at the World Cup in North America, from June 11 to July 19.
Foden and Palmer played key roles in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, but both paid dearly for a poor season with Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.
Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest) and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United) were also left out, despite excellent performances in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The former PSG and Bayern Munich coach also included veteran Jordan Henderson, Brentford midfielder and former Liverpool captain, on the list, in the place that many imagined would go to Adam Wharton, young talent from Crystal Palace.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire said on Thursday, after the squad was leaked, that he was impacted by being out of the World Cup.
“I was confident that I could play an important role for my country this summer after the season I had. The decision left me shocked and completely devastated. I wish all the players all the best,” he wrote on social media.
Tuchel took the risk by calling up defender John Stones despite an injury-plagued season at Manchester City.
Two English players who play in the Spanish league are also on the list: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) and Marcus Rashford (Barcelona).
For his part, Toney made an impact when he came off the bench at Euro 2024, but has only played two minutes for the national team since then, following his move to Saudi Arabia.
England are in Group L and begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, before facing Ghana on June 23 and Panama four days later.
England’s 26-man squad for the World Cup
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), John Stones (Manchester City), Nico O’Reilly (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)
Attackers: Harry Kane (Bayern de Munique), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
