England World Cup squad LIVE: Several big-name players left out ahead of Tuchel confirmation | OneFootball

The day of destiny for England’s World Cup 2026 hopefuls is imminent as Thomas Tuchel prepares to unveil his 26-man squad for the tournament.

England are hoping to transform from tournament challengers into World Cup winners and end 60 years of hurt in North America this summer, and Tuchel has a number of huge decisions to make. While much of the squad picks itself on account of club form and past work internationally, a crowded fight for attacking places could see Phil Foden’s place under real threat, while a call will also need to be made on who backs up captain Harry Kane – if specialist No 9 cover is required at all...

Defensively, Trent Alexander-Arnold feels a long shot with Tuchel signalling his preference for other right-back, while Harry Maguire has confirmed that he has missed out on a third tournament.

What other rumours are there?

Other than Harry Maguire, the players we think have been left out of the squad are only rumoured.

Maguire himself confirmed his omission but we may have to wait until tomorrow morning to be sure of the rest of the squad.

That said, Cole Palmer and Adam Wharton - two heavily influential midfielders - are also being tipped to have been left out.

TalkSport report that Wharton has been told of his omission while The Athletic say Palmer is out.

Other rumoured omissions

News is coming through that Luke Shaw and Fikayo Tomori have also been left out of the squad with the BBC reporting that there is now place for either defender.

Shaw was named in Tuchel's 55-man provisional squad given Man Utd’s season ending form but he has reportedly not made the cut.

Newcastle's Dan Burn and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly are in line to be called up instead.

Mike Jones21 May 2026 19:11

Maguire's statement on World Ciup omission

Over on X, Maguire wrote: “I was confident I could of 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. I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.

“I wish the players, all the best this summer.”

Mike Jones21 May 2026 19:05

England’s World Cup 2026 squad: Who’s on the plane, who’s almost there and which big names will miss out?

Thomas Tuchel names his England squad for the 2026 World Cup on Friday morning, and we already know some big names will miss out – including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Magiure.

Late on Thursday, Maguire revealed that he has not been named in Tuchel’s final 26. The Manchester United defender, back in the squad in March after a strong run of form, said he is “shocked and gutted” by the decision. And TalkSport revealed Foden will also be left behind after a difficult season at Manchester City.

Lawrence Ostlere21 May 2026 19:03

Harry Maguire omitted from England squad

TalkSport first reported the news that Manchester United’s Harry Maguire will miss out on a place at the World Cup.

Maguire has undergone something of a resurgence under Michael Carrick towards the end of the season and believed he had made a case to push for the squad.

That is not so with the player also taking to social media to confirm his omission.

(Reuters)

Mike Jones21 May 2026 19:00