Palmer, Foden, Gibbs-White, Hall among shock omissions as Tuchel names Henderson and Burn in 26-man England World Cup squad

Thomas Tuchel has unveiled his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden and Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer are among the notable names left out after inconsistent domestic campaigns.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has also been omitted despite enjoying a strong individual season.

Maguire reacted angrily on social media, admitting he was gutted by Tuchel’s decision and insisting he believed he could have played a major part for England at the tournament. 

Luke Shaw, Fikayo Tomori, Levi Colwill, Lewis Hall, Adam Wharton and Morgan Gibbs-White have also failed to make the cut.

Tuchel opted for a blend of experience and emerging talent, but several major omissions have immediately sparked controversy ahead of this summer’s tournament.

Several decisions feel utterly baffling. The omission of Gibbs-White is particularly indefensible. 

The Forest midfielder has been one of the best English players in recent weeks, producing goals, creativity and leadership in a side that reached the Europa League semi-final. 

Leaving him at home while selecting Jordan Henderson feels like a poor decision. Wharton and Hall are equally unfortunate. 

Wharton is one of the Premier League’s most composed and intelligent young midfielders.

Hall has developed into a modern, progressive full-back capable of transforming England’s left side. 

Tuchel has opted for Henderson and Burn. They are solid professionals, but hardly players who elevate England’s ceiling.

For a manager hired to deliver the title, Tuchel’s first World Cup squad is overly cautious, strangely conservative, lacking in imagination and frankly demoralising.

England squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City).

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur).

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United).

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 United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal).