FIFA World Cup 2026: Maguire, Foden, Palmer and some other names missing as Tuchel puts his foot down

For decades, every time a quadrennial global football event appeared on the horizon, there was a combination of unbridled expectations and fear of underperformance surrounding the England football team.

But since the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the 1966 World Cup winner has always been on the business side of these tournaments. Yet there is a now-or-never feeling surrounding this generation of England stars, led by the country’s all-time top scorer, Harry Kane.

The task of ending the Three Lions’ irritating wait falls to German coach Thomas Tuchel, who has taken on the role after a decade full of club trophies. The former Bayern Munich manager is known for his tactical intelligence and has been given the time and circumstances to mold the team to his preference. Tuchel isn’t afraid to put his foot down when it comes to squad selection. That’s a trait he has maintained since taking on the role in 2025. So it’s no surprise to see the 26-man England squad missing some big names.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire said on social media on the eve of the announcement that he felt ‘shocked’ and ‘gutted’ after missing out on selection for the World Cup traveling party. The 33-year-old was picked for the March international break and was expected to keep his place after a strong finish to the season with the Red Devils, but was ultimately overlooked. England will miss his major tournament experience and his ability to get his head to the ball on the right side of the pitch when the going gets tough. Newcastle United’s Dan Burn takes advantage of Maguire’s absence. John Stones, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and young Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah are the others making the trip west.

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Surprisingly, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, who was almost set in stone to be picked to share the left-back role alongside Man City’s Nico O’Reilly, has also been left out. Tuchel has rewarded the versatility of Djed Spence, who was one of the only bright sparks in a torrid season for Tottenham Hotspur.

Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold will also miss the World Cup. Chelsea captain Reece James, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and Tino Livramento, currently out with a thigh problem, are the options in that position. England have always relied on experience in this part of the field during global tournaments. Tuchel will hope his gamble of picking some untested youngsters doesn’t come back to bite him.

Manchester City’s Phil Foden is another high-profile miss for the team, alongside former teammate Cole Palmer. The 2025-2026 season has not been the most productive for the two treble winners, and the intense competition for places has left Tuchel with no choice but to leave them out. Tuchel has opted for speed and guile over lightness and has placed his faith in Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke as replacements for Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka. Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham will be the creative outlets in the center of the park.

The center of midfield is another area where England have more supply than demand. With Declan Rice one of the first names on the team list, experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson will compete for the other spot with young talents Kobbie Mainoo and Elliot Anderson. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, as well as James Garner and Alex Scott, who have slowly but surely made the transition from the under-21s to the senior team, will have to wait for their chance.

There is also a surprising choice in attack. Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who played just two minutes under Tuchel, has been picked as back-up for Kane and Ollie Watkins. Despite goal-rich seasons in the Premier League, Danny Welbeck and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been left out.

There was quite a furor on social media after the English media released the names of some players who will not make the plane. But if Tuchel can validate his decisions with a strong performance in North America, the fans will soon be back on his side. On the contrary, if things don’t go according to plan, it won’t be long before he becomes enemy number one of the country.

Published on May 22, 2026