Harry Maguire ‘heartbroken’ as Thomas Tuchel prepares to unveil bold England World Cup squad
Rohan Mehta May 22, 2026 10:20 AM

England head coach Thomas Tuchel is gearing up to reveal a striking World Cup squad on Friday, with Phil Foden and Cole Palmer reportedly set to miss the tournament, alongside a “shocked and gutted” Harry Maguire.

The German manager will announce his 26-man contingent for this summer’s campaign in North America at around 10 a.m., having made personal phone calls to several players a day earlier.

Reports suggest that Foden and Palmer are among those omitted following underwhelming seasons and intense competition for England’s attacking midfield positions. In-form Morgan Gibbs-White is also said to have missed out.

These updates began to surface gradually from Thursday afternoon into the evening, marking a stark contrast to the more predictable selections made under Sir Gareth Southgate in recent years.

What remains to be confirmed is still unclear, but Maguire took to social media to express his disappointment at being dropped despite earning his first call-up under Tuchel in March and playing in both friendlies.

“I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had,” the experienced defender wrote on Instagram.

“I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.”

He added, “I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players all the best this summer.”

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw is another player omitted from the World Cup squad, though Tuchel has consistently overlooked him since taking charge.

There appears to be better news for youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who is expected to be included along with Noni Madueke, Ollie Watkins, and, somewhat surprisingly, Ivan Toney.

Watkins has been in superb form for Aston Villa after missing the March training camp, when Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke were tested as potential backups for Harry Kane.

Al-Ahli’s Ivan Toney, who made a brief substitute appearance under Tuchel, has not been selected since that camp last June.

The selection decisions have sparked debate and curiosity both among fans and within football circles, with several positions still raising questions.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, a high-profile absentee, could now benefit from Ben White’s season-ending injury. However, Tuchel had previously stated in November that the Real Madrid right-back was behind Jarell Quansah in his plans.

The England manager has also sought fitness updates on Tino Livramento, who has been sidelined for a month with a thigh issue. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall is reportedly not among the chosen squad.

Tuchel has checked on Levi Colwill’s recovery following his return to action earlier this month after undergoing anterior cruciate ligament surgery in August.

It might still be too soon for the Chelsea defender, while John Stones hopes for inclusion as Tuchel acknowledged he had “a lot of credit in the bank” despite limited club appearances.

Dan Burn is expected to make the cut along with Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa, while Trevoh Chalobah continues to compete for a place in the final lineup.

The Football Association must submit the final 26-man roster to FIFA by May 31, with replacements for outfield players permitted until 24 hours before the Group L opener against Croatia on June 17.

After that, only goalkeepers may be replaced. Brighton’s Jason Steele is expected to travel as a training goalkeeper, taking on a similar role to Tom Heaton’s at Euro 2024.

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