Thomas Tuchel has made several headline-grabbing decisions ahead of England’s World Cup campaign, with Phil Foden and Cole Palmer both missing out as the German coach finalised his squad for the tournament.

The England manager is expected to officially unveil his 26-player selection at Wembley on Friday morning, but a number of players were informed of their fate privately on Thursday night. Among the biggest surprises were the omissions of Foden and Palmer, while Ivan Toney earned an unexpected return to the national setup after nearly a year away.

Maguire Reacts to England Snub

Harry Maguire was among the first players to publicly address his exclusion. The Manchester United centre-back admitted he was devastated after failing to secure a place in the squad despite enjoying a strong season at club level.

The defender, who has represented England 66 times, shared his frustration on social media and insisted he believed he could still play an important role for the national side this summer. Maguire also wished the squad success at the tournament despite his disappointment.

His mother, Zoe Maguire, also voiced anger over the decision online, suggesting the defender could not have done more to earn selection.

Tuchel has instead chosen to rely on Marc Guéhi, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah and John Stones as his preferred central defensive options. Levi Colwill was overlooked after only recently returning from a long-term knee problem, while Trevoh Chalobah and Luke Shaw were also left out.

Foden and Palmer Miss Out

The attacking selections are likely to spark the biggest debate. Foden, who has featured in England’s previous three major tournaments, has struggled to produce consistent performances for both club and country this season. His difficult campaign with Manchester City ultimately counted against him as Tuchel opted for other creative options.

Palmer’s exclusion may come as a greater surprise given his impact at Euro 2024, where he scored in England’s final defeat to Spain. However, injuries disrupted much of the Chelsea playmaker’s season and his display against Japan in March reportedly failed to convince Tuchel.

Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers are expected to fill the advanced central roles instead. Morgan Gibbs-White, despite finishing the season strongly with Nottingham Forest, also appears set to miss out.

Out wide, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke are likely to be preferred on the right flank ahead of Jarrod Bowen. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are expected to provide options on the left, leaving Harvey Barnes outside the final group.

Toney Returns After Long Absence

Perhaps the boldest call of all is Tuchel’s decision to bring back Ivan Toney. The former Brentford striker, now playing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, has not appeared for England since coming off the bench during the friendly defeat against Senegal last June.

Despite uncertainty over whether Tuchel would take a traditional backup striker to Harry Kane, England are now expected to travel with three recognised centre-forwards. Ollie Watkins is likely to compete with Toney for opportunities behind Kane during the tournament.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dominic Solanke and Danny Welbeck failed to do enough to secure inclusion.

Defensive Concerns Influence Selections

Fitness issues appear to have played a major role in Tuchel’s thinking across several positions. John Stones has only managed four appearances since Christmas, while Tino Livramento and Reece James have both dealt with injury setbacks during the season.

Even so, Livramento remains under consideration because of his versatility across both full-back positions. Nico O’Reilly is expected to start at left-back, while Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly may have emerged too late to force his way into the squad.

There have also been suggestions of a late recall for Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite not featuring under Tuchel since last June. Everton’s James Garner is also being considered because he can operate in midfield as well as at right-back.

Lewis Hall and Djed Spence, however, are expected to miss out.

Midfield Battle Takes Shape

Adam Wharton has also been left disappointed after failing to convince Tuchel during recent camps. Kobbie Mainoo, who played an important role during the last European Championship, appears to have reclaimed his place following an improved finish to the season with Manchester United.

Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are expected to form England’s first-choice midfield pairing, with Jordan Henderson included as an experienced alternative. Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott has not made the final cut.

England Eye World Cup Glory

Tuchel is preparing for his first major tournament as an international manager and will officially confirm his squad during an interview on the England app before speaking to the media at Wembley.

England head into the World Cup among the favourites after coming close under Gareth Southgate in recent tournaments. The Football Association appointed Tuchel in the hope that the former Chelsea manager can finally deliver major international silverware, and his contract has already been extended through to Euro 2028.

Before the tournament begins, England will face New Zealand in Tampa on 6 June and Costa Rica in Orlando four days later. The squad will then establish its base in Kansas City before opening the World Cup against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June in Group L.