A ridiculously talented England XI not going to 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel has caused a stir with his squad selection for this summer's World Cup, after the England manager named his group to travel to North America.

England are blessed with an embarrassment of riches, perhaps never more evident than withthis group not even selected to travel.

Here is a quite ridiculous England XI of players not selected for the2026 World Cup.

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale - Newcastle United

Goalkeeper, arguably, is the one position where the selections are pretty spot on. Jordan Pickford is the undisputed number one, with Dean Henderson a capable deputy. James Trafford travels as the third keeper and, perhaps, is the future. It leaves Newcastle pair Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale on the fringes.

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold - Real Madrid

Even beingReal Madrid's right-back is not enough for England inclusion these days.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's absence in March was an early indication that the 27-year-old has not done enough to earn favour with Thomas Tuchel. Having also struggled under Gareth Southgate, Alexander-Arnold could be the latest England maverick whose international career never truly takes off.

Centre-back: Harry Maguire - Manchester United

Harry Maguire's snub was one of the first revealed on social media, with the Manchester United centre-back saying he had been 'left shocked and gutted by the decision'. Maguire earned a recall in March after impressing during Manchester United's improved form under Michael Carrick, but Tuchel has opted to go without the experience of the 66-cap veteran.

Centre-back: Levi Colwill - Chelsea

Levi Colwill's recent return from injury has not been enough to earn selection. The 23-year-old's natural left-sided preference could have added a different dynamic for England's build-up, but after missing much of the campaign, he'll watch from the sidelines this summer.

Left-back: Lewis Hall - Newcastle United

One of the most surprising omissions, even amid Newcastle's inconsistent form. Lewis Hall looked a shoo-in for one of the left-back roles earlier in the campaign after a series of excellent performances at St James' Park.Luke Shaw, a key part of recent tournaments, has also been excluded.

Midfield: Adam Wharton - Crystal Palace

Adam Wharton is the type of midfielder England has long struggled to produce, more continental in style than we often associate with homegrown talent. Despite helpingCrystal Palace to a European final and ranking in the top 10% of Premier League midfielders for big chances created and possession won in the final third, he's not been called up.

Midfield: Morgan Gibbs-White - Nottingham Forest

There isn't an English player with more Premier League goals this season thanMorgan Gibbs-White (14), whose prolific form during the run-in almost dragged Nottingham Forest to safety singlehandedly. However, his purple patch has not been enough to earn Tuchel's trust.

Midfield: Phil Foden - Manchester City

If you had said just two seasons ago that a fitPhil Foden would be excluded from an England World Cup squad, most would have thought you were mad. Foden was the Premier League's finest footballer in 2023/24 as Manchester City won the title, but issues on and off the pitch have seen his performances dip since. Seven goals and five assists this season have not been enough for Foden to make the cut.

Forward: Cole Palmer - Chelsea

Arguably, the most controversial non-selection of all.Cole Palmer has had a challenging campaign, with injuries preventing him from reaching previous heights. That said, his goal record and ability to handle pressure moments could be badly missed this summer.

Forward: Jarrod Bowen - West Ham

Even amid an often direWest Ham team this season, Jarrod Bowen has continued to produce. He's scored eight goals and created 10 more in the Premier League; goal-involvement numbers no English player can better. Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke have been preferred.

Forward: Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Leeds United

Dominic Calvert-Lewin returned from five years in the international wilderness in March, following a fine first season at Leeds. Calvert-Lewin scored 14 times in the Premier League after his free transfer from Everton, including four in five games to end the campaign. It wasn't enough for selection, with Ivan Toney preferred after a shed-load of Saudi goals.