Tuchel prioritises form over reputation in England World Cup squad selection

England manager Thomas Tuchel has excluded Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer from the national team’s squad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States. The decision marks a significant departure from their status as central figures in England’s Euro 2024 campaign, where Palmer scored in the final and Foden started the match. Tuchel’s selection strategy prioritises current form over past reputation, citing a decline in performance from both players.

Palmer had been the new kid on the block in Gareth Southgate's squad two years ago, yet he went on to be named England’s men’s player of the year and the PFA young player of the year after his impact against Spain. However, his form dipped this season. He scored nine goals in 25 Premier League appearances, but the zip and flash of brilliance that defined his earlier career were absent. Foden’s form has suffered just as badly, though over a longer period. He netted six goals in five games during a spell before Christmas but has not scored since, a far cry from his 19 Premier League goals in the 2023-24 season.

The number 10 role is now contested by Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Eberechi Eze. Bellingham was selected despite Tuchel previously expressing doubts about the Real Madrid midfielder. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has been trusted by Tuchel throughout his tenure, including during the Europa League triumph over Freiburg. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, the joint top English scorer in the Premier League this season with 14 goals, has not been selected despite scoring six goals in his past six club matches.

Eberechi Eze is identified as the likely winner for the number 10 spot, having scored three goals in six World Cup qualifiers under Tuchel. Eze sat out the March friendlies through injury, which allowed Foden and Palmer to stake their claims. England drew 1-1 with Uruguay and lost 1-0 to Japan in those friendlies, performances described as hugely uninspiring. Eze’s absence during those matches served to highlight his importance in offering pace and unpredictability to the squad.

Foden’s performance in a March friendly against Uruguay is cited as a key moment where Tuchel reportedly made up his mind. Foden was deployed in the number 10 role with Harry Kane left out, but he failed to make an impact, floating around as a peripheral figure before being substituted 11 minutes into the second half. He was replaced by Palmer, who also failed to change the dynamic. The omission signals that Tuchel has drawn a line under reputation, with a clear line of players waiting to take advantage if standards drop.