England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his World Cup squad, leaving out several high-profile players including Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The squad, announced on Friday, also saw Saudi Arabia-based Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney included as a surprise selection, as Tuchel made a series of bold calls ahead of the tournament in the United States.
Tuchel, who was appointed to end England’s 60-year wait for a major international trophy, said the omission of several players was emotionally difficult, describing phone calls to those left out as “painfully difficult”.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea and Manchester City’s Phil Foden, both key figures in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, were dropped after inconsistent club seasons.
Tuchel said he personally contacted all players who had been part of recent camps to explain his decisions and express appreciation for their contributions.
“It was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult,” he said, adding that clarity in selection had given him renewed focus ahead of the tournament.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin were also omitted despite strong domestic campaigns, while veteran Jordan Henderson was included ahead of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire expressed shock at his exclusion, saying he was “gutted” after believing he could still play a major role for England.
His club teammate Luke Shaw also missed out, while Tuchel opted to include John Stones despite an injury-disrupted season at Manchester City.
Toney’s inclusion comes despite limited international action since his move to Saudi Arabia in 2024, although he previously impressed as a substitute at Euro 2024.
England will open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17, followed by group matches 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 (Newcastle), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), 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)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
