Tuchel Drops Foden and Maguire from England World Cup Squad

2026-05-21 community

London, 21 May 2026
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made ruthless selections for the 2026 World Cup, excluding Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire from the 26-man squad despite their experience and previous contributions to the national team.

Shocking Omissions Revealed

The exclusions became public on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, when Maguire revealed through social media that he would not be part of England’s World Cup campaign [5]. The Manchester United defender, who has earned 67 caps and scored seven international goals [1], expressed his devastation at the decision. ‘I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I’ve had. I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision,’ Maguire stated [2][7]. His mother, Zoe Maguire, took to social media to voice her displeasure, describing the decision as ‘absolutely disgusting’ and urging her son to ‘hold your head high’ [2].

Foden’s Fall from Grace

Phil Foden’s exclusion represents perhaps the most surprising decision, given his status as a previous starter at Euro 2024 [2]. The Manchester City midfielder, who has earned 49 England caps [1], has endured a challenging season, starting only 22 Premier League matches and contributing seven goals with five assists across 32 appearances [1]. Foden himself acknowledged his struggles earlier this year, admitting: ‘I have had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally… This season I’ve struggled a little bit. Hopefully come next year I can get my head mentally right’ [2]. His declining form and lack of trust from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola have ultimately cost him his place in Tuchel’s plans [4].

Tuchel’s Tactical Reshaping

Thomas Tuchel’s squad announcement, scheduled for Friday, 22 May 2026, at 9:45am at Wembley Stadium [6], reflects his pragmatic approach to selection [1]. The German manager has prioritised form over reputation, with Ivan Toney earning a recall after scoring 42 goals in 48 games for Al Ahli [4][5], despite not featuring for England since June 2025 [4]. Cole Palmer, despite scoring the equaliser in England’s European Championship final in 2024 [2], has also been omitted alongside Morgan Gibbs-White, who managed 11 Premier League goals this season [3]. Tuchel’s decision to include Jordan Henderson for his experience [1][2] whilst dropping younger talents demonstrates his focus on tournament know-how as England prepares for their opening fixture against Croatia on 17 June 2026 [1][6].

Looking Ahead to North America

England’s World Cup campaign begins with warm-up friendlies against New Zealand on 6 June 2026 and Costa Rica on 10 June 2026 in Florida [6], before the tournament proper commences across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July 2026 [1][6]. Following their Group opener against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June 2026, England will face Ghana in Boston on 23 June 2026 and Panama in New Jersey on 27 June 2026 [6]. Tuchel’s 26-man squad includes 16 players considered ‘guaranteed’ selections [4], with newcomers such as Arsenal’s 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly and Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly potentially earning their first major tournament call-ups [5]. The manager’s ruthless approach signals his determination to deliver England’s first major tournament victory since 1966, even if it means leaving established internationals at home.

Bronnen

World Cup England squad