Every word from England boss Tuchel’s World Cup squad announcement | OneFootball

England manager Thomas Tuchel revealed the 26-man England squad that will head to the FIFA World Cup this summer on Friday. 

The German coach faced several questions from the media on his selection decisions, his leadership group, bringing extra players to the training camp and what it will take to win the tournament.

Here is every word from his press conference.

England boss Tuchel’s World Cup squad announcement in full:

Tuchel’s opening remarks:

“From day one we were clear we were trying to build the best possible team. Not necessarily the 26 most talented players. Teams win championships – and what we’re trying to achieve can only be achieved as a team.

“Nine defenders for four positions, seven midfielders for three positions and seven forwards for three positions.

“We have players ready and committed to the idea of team spirit and being unselfish.

“We have six players who won titles with the U21s, we have Kobbie (Mainoo) who is still young and won, Nico (O’Reilly) who is very young and has already won his medals.

“We have specialists for different scenarios; when we’re leading or chasing a result. We have set-piece specialists for that and we want to be a strong penalty team, we have specialists for that.

“The majority of this selection is from the players who were with us in September, October and November.

“It’s important to say I’m grateful to all players who helped us qualify. I tried to show my appreciation in telling them in personal phone calls. I called every player who was at least once with us to tell them my decision – even if it was a disappointing message.”

Read – England squad revealed ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

On calling up Ivan Toney:

“Also a bit of a surprise to us! When it came down to all different kinds of scenarios he was back in the picture. I had fantastic feedback from his club coach who was my player (Matthias Jaissle at Stuttgart youth team).

“We could see he still collects the numbers. He has very special skills that could help us when we’re chasing a goal. He can be a valuable addition to (Harry) Kane, a presence in the box, he can take attention off other strikers, he’s a natural finisher, he can help us at set-pieces and he’s a world-class penalty taker.”

On leaving out Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold:

“I’m very confident in the group we chose. Very difficult decisions. Painful conversations. Difficult to explain to the players. But what we try to achieve we achieve as a team.

“If everyone is selected, it’s a given we have to leave some extraordinary players, personalities at home.

“I like these decisions – even if they took us weeks, months – they bring clarity, a certain edge that is necessary.

“For some of them it’s just the amount of players in a certain position. We want to give [the players] a clear role.”

Read – Tuchel explains ‘very difficult’ decision to exclude key England trio

On Harry Maguire’s comments after being omitted:

“I was a bit surprised. But I respect his personality and quality a lot. I can see the disappointment and reason behind it.

“Still I was a bit surprised because we had a private conversation and he had the chance to express his feelings.

“We stood firmly with our central defenders who carried us through September, October, November. Some of them are part of the leadership group who set the standards high.”

On England’s leadership group:

“We had a March and June camp. And then it was pretty clear who should be in there.

“I see no value in sharing it with you. It’s a group of five, six players. They were massively influential. I was happy with how they acted and stepped up.”

On bringing additional players to the training camp:

“We will take some young players to train with us and keep the squad the size we need.

“Alex Scott. Rio Ngumoha. Josh King. And there will be one more player we cannot name because it’s not confirmed yet.

“But I’m happy these guys are with us, especially Alex who was on the list of 55 and had a disappointing phone call that he didn’t make the first cut. But the reaction of him was outstanding, the wish to be in pre-camp and close to the team, it wasn’t even a question for him.

“I’m glad he’s with us because it was a close call and he has a chance to get a first camp.”

On winning the World Cup:

“I heard a quote from Rafael Nadal: ‘I’m not a winner, I’m a competitor’. That’s how I arrive in the US for this tournament.

“It’s about building a brotherhood and a certain energy, then we can transmit that to our fans. Once we get that right anything is possible.

“We will try to win this tournament. But it makes no sense to try to digest the whole cake at once, we will chunk it up.”

On Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers battling for the no.10 role:

“They are two of the names of potential starters on the same position. They can also play together. If they compete for one position, it is possible as accomplices, you don’t have to be enemies. They are friends anyway.

“Bukayo (Saka) and Noni (Madueke) fight for the same place in the club. You can fight and push your friend to the best possible performance.

“I’ve no doubt they will be decisive for us.”

On John Stones’ inclusion:

“I’m a huge believer in John. I think he’s a world-class player, amazing character and proven winner.

“He knows how to adapt tactically on the field. He’s still on the highest level when I see him play. We analysed a lot of his training data because there’s not a lot of evidence in the second half of the season.

“We can take advantage of our late start in the tournament in this case. We have the chance to let him play two friendly matches then I believe he will have a strong tournament for us.”

On leaving out Jarrod Bowen:

“Jarrod was excellent in every camp for us and then gets the phone call he’s not on the plane.

“Does he suffer with the situation at his camp? Does Noni and Bukayo benefit from the situation at their club?

“The reaction of Jarrod was outstanding – it proved again the character he is.

“Noni – I believe he can be a difference-maker, in his ability to change matches and disrupt defensive organisations with his one-on-one ability.”

On selecting Djed Spence:

“He was excellent in every match he played for us. He suffers from a third change of coach at his club, since then he doesn’t get a lot of minutes. He suffers from the situation, is part of the situation at Tottenham.

“He loves defending, he’s the fastest player in our squad and he loves defending one-on-ones. That’s what makes him a special full-back for us. He can play both sides.

“Before the March camp we said ‘you don’t get the minutes [with Spurs]’ if you come here you have to prove yourself again. And Djed and Tino were excellent against Uruguay. That was the decision I could really trust him.”

On what England need to win the World Cup:

“We need a bit of luck We need our selection right. Stay healthy. Catch a momentum. Build a brotherhood. Play with courage, hunger. And take advantage of special moments.

“Once we go hopefully to knockout football it’s a game of margins. It won’t be done without nerves of steel.

“Not everything is in our hands but it’s good to have the goal spoken out. We did this early in the first camp. Then straight away we said let’s focus on what we can influence.”

On tired England players:

“It shows me this league is the strongest league in the world, the most competitive. And it shows on the negative effect our players will be tired after a long season. That’s how it is.

“It doesn’t make it easier to go to three countries, the big climatic change. We had support from Team GB. It will never be an excuse.

“It goes back to getting the load right in pre-camp, getting the attitude right, don’t go too early into the ‘tunnel’.”

On Pep Guardiola’s legacy at Manchester City:

“The impact he had on every league where he trained.

“He’s one of a kind. One of the very best. He made a big revolution with the way he played in Barcelona, made everything upside down in the German league and then came here and crushing.

“The highest, highest level.”

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