Thomas Tuchel has dropped a selection bombshell by omitting Phil Foden and Harry Maguire from England's final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. The decision, set to be confirmed on Friday, signals a dramatic shift in the manager's thinking ahead of the tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Maguire took to Instagram to express his disbelief, stating he was "shocked and gutted" by the snub. "I was confident I could have played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had," the Manchester United defender wrote. The 33-year-old, capped 67 times, believed his form warranted inclusion, having told BBC Sport last month that he remained "one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes."
Foden's absence is equally headline-grabbing. While the Manchester City midfielder has 49 international caps, his club campaign was inconsistent—just 22 Premier League starts, yielding seven goals and five assists in 32 appearances. That return falls short of the elite standard expected for a World Cup playmaker, prompting Tuchel to look elsewhere for creativity.
The cull of big names extends beyond Foden and Maguire. Luke Shaw, despite an impressive season at Manchester United, is also expected to miss out. His omission clears a path for Newcastle's Dan Burn and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly, both in line for maiden World Cup call-ups. AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori is another high-profile casualty, confirming Tuchel's ruthlessness in reshaping the defensive unit.
In a contrasting boost, Arsenal winger Noni Madueke is poised to join clubmates Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice on the flight to North America. Madueke's inclusion adds pace and directness to England's attacking options, underlining Tuchel's willingness to trust in-form players regardless of experience.
The centre-back situation remains fluid. John Stones, who has endured an injury-disrupted season, could still board the plane despite Tuchel's reservations about his fitness. The fact that Stones is leaving Manchester City this summer adds a layer of uncertainty, but the manager views the veteran as a key asset if he can prove his sharpness. Chelsea's Levi Colwill, fresh from a long-term knee injury, is also pushing for a late call-up, having been included in the preliminary 55-man list.
In midfield, Jordan Henderson is expected to retain his spot. The Brentford man has been a mainstay under Tuchel, offering leadership and tactical discipline—qualities the manager values in a tournament setting. His experience could prove vital alongside younger talents in a squad that blends youth and know-how.
England's World Cup campaign officially kicks off on 11 June, but the team will first fine-tune preparations with friendly matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica. Group stage duty begins on 17 June against Croatia, followed by clashes with Ghana and Panama—a path that, on paper, offers a manageable route to the knockout rounds.
Tuchel's selection has major implications for the team's identity. By dropping established figures like Maguire and Foden, he is betting on a more dynamic, adaptable setup. The inclusion of Burn and O'Reilly hints at a preference for athleticism and versatility in defence, while retaining Henderson suggests a balance of grit and guidance.
For the omitted players, the blow is profound. Maguire's international career may now be over, and Foden faces a long road back to reclaim his spot. Conversely, the new faces have a golden opportunity to make their mark on the world stage and reshape England's future under Tuchel's vision.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
