England head coach Thomas Tuchel has admitted that tactical uncertainty regarding Phil Foden’s best position drove the decision to drop the Manchester City star from his World Cup squad. The German asserted that bringing the versatile attacker to North America and potentially being played out of position would have resulted in possible camp discontent.
England have named their squad for the 2026 World Cup, but can they go on to achieve what the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ could not and deliver a long-awaited international title? Michael Owen formed part of several trophy bids in the 1990s and 2000s, with the ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid striker telling GOAL of the failures that were toughest to stomach.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted his surprise at Harry Maguire’s reaction after the veteran defender was omitted from the Three Lions' 26-man World Cup squad. The German coach heavily praised the centre-back’s exceptional seasonal form but defended his ultimate selection blueprint, which relies on a core group of established tournament leaders.
So there we have it: England's 2026 World Cup squad is confirmed and it will go down as one of the most contentious of all time. Manager Thomas Tuchel has made it abundantly clear from the outset that he isn't afraid to ruffle some feathers with his decisions, and he has stayed true to his word with his divisive selections for the Three Lions' latest bid to end an agonising wait for a first major trophy since 1966.
Thomas Tuchel has defended his decision to leave Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of England’s World Cup squad. The England boss admitted the calls were “painfully difficult” but insisted he wanted a balanced group built on “hunger and excitement”.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke among those to get the nod as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer miss out. Harry Kane captains the Three Lions in their bid to bring 60 years of international trophy heartache to a close, with Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Marcus Rashford providing support and competition in the attacking department.
England supporters have been advised, by former Manchester United and France star Patrice Evra, to end their ‘It’s Coming Home’ chants as the infamous song has become a “curse”. Three Lions fans have dared to dream of witnessing that musical prediction come true since 1996 but, despite several near misses, have seen an agonising wait for major international honours hit the 60-year mark.
Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are reportedly set to miss out on England's 2026 World Cup squad, with Thomas Tuchel's final 26-man list being leaked ahead of Friday's official announcement. Luke Shaw is also expected to join Manchester United team-mate Harry Maguire in being omitted from the squad for the tournament in North America.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has confirmed that he has been left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old, who has been a mainstay for the Three Lions over the last decade, has admitted he is "gutted" not to be part of the final 26-man group that will travel to North America this summer.
It's finally decision time for Thomas Tuchel, who is set to name his final England squad for the 2026 World Cup. Tuchel's brief for the role was quite simple when he began work in March 2025: ensure the Three Lions lift the trophy for the first time in 60 long years. Now, the German tactician must pick the 26 players who he believes can get the job done in North America as the tournament looms large.
Thomas Tuchel has officially submitted his provisional 55-man England squad to FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup, offering several exiled stars a final chance to board the plane to North America. Despite missing out on recent friendly selections, big names are back in the frame as the Three Lions prepare for the biggest stage of all.
The clock is ticking down to a potentially tenure-defining decision for Thomas Tuchel, who will be putting the final touches to his England squad for the 2026 World Cup. However, there is still time for those on the fringes to make a late push into the manager's thinking as the season enters his final weeks. Some, though, stand a much better chance than others.
Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White have been warned to brace for World Cup heartache, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL which playmakers he would pick if stepping into Thomas Tuchel’s shoes as England boss. The Three Lions are blessed with an abundance of creative options, such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, meaning that some big names are going to be left disappointed.
Thomas Tuchel has been urged to rethink his World Cup plans when it comes to Harry Maguire, with former England full-back Michael Gray explaining to GOAL why the Manchester United centre-half is worth his “weight in gold” to the Three Lions cause. German tactician Tuchel has some big selection calls to make ahead of a global gathering in North America this summer.
Struggling to find his flow and still battling fitness issues at the end of an injury-plagued season, Cole Palmer will on Monday go head to head with the player who poses an existential threat to his World Cup dream in Morgan Gibbs-White. The Chelsea talisman and the resurgent Nottingham Forest star form part of an intense fight for the No.10 shirt in Thomas Tuchel's England squad.
Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White is reportedly mounting a serious challenge for a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s England World Cup squad following a spectacular run of form. Despite being omitted from the recent 35-man provisional group, the 26-year-old’s recent hat-trick against Burnley has reignited the debate regarding his inclusion ahead of the summer tournament.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
