Inside England’s World Cup squad selection: ‘Shock’, offended players and an incognito coach | OneFootball

Thomas Tuchel made around 50 calls before confirming England’s 26 for the World Cup, a process that produced as much shock as approval.

According to NY Times, Harry Maguire said he was shocked and gutted at being omitted, which Tuchel labelled unnecessary. Ivan Toney’s inclusion brought surprise, though Tuchel values his penalties and set-piece work in Maguire’s absence.

After a rift in June 2025 over Toney’s training and commitment, dialogue restarted recently, with assistants Justin Cochrane and Anthony Barry providing positive assessments.

John Stones was picked despite only four Manchester City appearances since January, with staff citing strong training data and his capacity to step into midfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were left out, the latter missing 15 matches between August and November with a groin injury amid Chelsea turbulence. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott narrowly missed the cut but will join Rio Ngumoha, Josh King and Ethan Nwaneri at the Florida camp.

The quartet cover for the Arsenal players, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, who arrive around the Costa Rica friendly on June six as they contest the Champions League final on May 30. Barry also watched incognito in Serbia, where unused substitutes ran after a 5-0 win, a scene Tuchel admired.

With psychology head Rich Hampson shaping selection, Tuchel wants a unified group for up to seven weeks in North America. He took the job in October 2024 with anything short of winning deemed failure, and now he and his 26 must deliver.

Source: NY Times