Tuchel prioritises unity over talent in England’s 2026 World Cup squad
Thomas Tuchel has named a 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup, excluding high-profile stars Phil Foden and Cole Palmer to ensure collective commitment as England seeks its first major men’s trophy since 1966.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has announced his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, making significant changes by omitting high-profile players Phil Foden and Cole Palmer. Other notable exclusions include Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, Manchester United defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
Tuchel justified the selections by prioritising team unity and commitment over individual talent, stating that "teams win championships." He emphasised that the selected players are "100 percent-committed" and ready to buy into their roles on and off the pitch to achieve the collective spirit required to end England’s 60-year wait for a major men’s trophy.
Key inclusions include Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, alongside surprise picks Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo. Toney has been included despite only playing once for England since moving to the Saudi league after Euro 2024. Mainoo was reinstated to the first team under new Manchester United coach Michael Carrick in January, following a period of being pushed to the fringes under Ruben Amorim.
Marcus Rashford, who was dropped from the Euro 2024 squad, has been included after rebuilding his career at Barcelona this season. Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke are included in their first World Cup squads. Foden was a non-playing substitute in the recent FA Cup final victory for Manchester City, while Palmer has not scored in his last 14 games for club and country.
Harry Maguire confirmed on Thursday that he would not be attending the tournament, describing himself as "shocked and gutted." The squad aims to end England’s 60-year wait for a major men’s trophy, having last won the World Cup in 1966.
