26 Questions About This England Squad

Thomas Tuchel has unveiled his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup, sparking intense debate. The German tactician left out several high-profile names, including Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Harry Maguire, raising eyebrows across the football world. England begin their campaign against Croatia on June 17.

The most surprising inclusion is Ivan Toney, who has scored 32 goals in 32 games for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. Despite the league's lower profile, Tuchel values Toney's penalty prowess and familiarity with hot climates. The striker has played just seven international minutes since Euro 2024.

Tuchel's full-back selections carry significant risk. Reece James, Tino Livramento, and Djed Spence possess undeniable quality but have troubling injury histories. Jarell Quansah can cover, yet defensive fragility remains England's biggest concern heading into the tournament.

Midfield absentees like Morgan Gibbs-White and Adam Wharton highlight Tuchel's preference for experience. With Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice as pillars, the squad blends youth and grit. All eyes now turn to North America as England chase their first World Cup since 1966.