England World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Thomas Tuchel

Foden and Palmer both left out

Thomas Tuchel has been brutally decisive where other England managers have not. Phil Foden and Cole Palmer — two of the most technically gifted players of their generation — were both omitted. Foden endured a frustrating season at Manchester City and never nailed down his best form under Guardiola. Palmer had a mixed campaign at Chelsea. Tuchel went with Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze and Elliot Anderson in their place. Sky Sports described it as probably the most shocking England squad since 1998. On the evidence of the selections, that is not hyperbole.

Maguire shocked and gutted

Harry Maguire has 66 caps and seven international goals for England. He posted on social media saying he was shocked and gutted to be left out. Few would blame him for that reaction. But Tuchel has clearly decided he wants defenders who can play out from the back and be comfortable under pressure. Marc Guehi and Ezri Konsa fit that description. Maguire, for all his experience and his record of performing on the international stage, does not fit Tuchel's system.

Ivan Toney — one of the most surprising inclusions in years

Ivan Toney has played seven minutes of senior international football for England. He spent the past year at Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. And yet he is in this World Cup squad. Whether Tuchel has been watching him closely in training and has a specific tactical plan for him, or whether this is a speculative punt on a player who was brilliant before his ban, only the tournament will reveal. Either way, it is a genuinely bold selection.

Jordan Henderson at 35

Jordan Henderson is 35 years old and currently plays for Brentford. A few years ago that sentence would have seemed impossible to write in the context of a World Cup squad. But Tuchel clearly values what Henderson brings to the dressing room — the experience, the leadership, the ability to keep a group together when results go against them. He is unlikely to start regularly. Off the pitch he might be the most important man in the squad.

Nine players making their senior tournament debut

James Trafford, Tino Livramento, Nico O'Reilly, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Elliot Anderson, Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers are all making their senior tournament debut at this World Cup. That is more than a third of the entire 26-man squad. This is not purely a squad built to win in 2026. It is a squad being shaped for 2030 and beyond. Tuchel is investing in the future at the same time as making a serious push for the present.

England's group: Group L — Croatia, Ghana, Panama

England are in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. On paper they should qualify comfortably. Croatia are the only genuine threat in the group — a side with real tournament pedigree and players like Gvardiol and Kovacic who know how to perform on the biggest stages. Ghana and Panama will be organised and difficult to break down but England have the quality to come through. The questions for this squad will not be answered in the group stage. They will start when the knockout rounds begin.

Who is in England's World Cup 2026 squad?

Thomas Tuchel named a 26-man squad for World Cup 2026 on May 22. The squad contains three goalkeepers, nine defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards. Notable inclusions include Ivan Toney, Jordan Henderson and nine players making their senior tournament debut. Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire were the most high-profile omissions.

Who did Thomas Tuchel leave out of England's World Cup squad?

The most notable omissions from England's World Cup 2026 squad are Phil Foden (Manchester City), Cole Palmer (Chelsea) and Harry Maguire (Manchester United). Tuchel prioritised form and fitness, picking Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze and Elliot Anderson in the midfield and forward positions instead.

When do England play at the World Cup 2026?

England open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. They are in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. England should advance to the Round of 32 with games against Ghana and Panama to follow.

Who is England's captain at the World Cup 2026?

Harry Kane is England's captain at the 2026 World Cup. The Bayern Munich striker captains the side into his second World Cup as skipper.

Why was Phil Foden left out of England's World Cup squad?

Thomas Tuchel omitted Phil Foden due to form and fitness concerns. Foden had a disappointing season at Manchester City and was unable to force his way back into Tuchel's plans. Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze and Elliot Anderson — all in better recent form — were selected ahead of him.