England World Cup squad: Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire to be left out

Foden and Palmer to miss out on World Cup squad

Phil Foden (left) has played in one World Cup with Cole Palmer yet to feature at the tournament

By Sami Mokbel, Senior football correspondent

Published 21 May 2026

Thomas Tuchel is set to deliver significant surprises when he announces England's 26-man World Cup squad on Friday, with established players Phil Foden and Cole Palmer notably absent from the selection.

The England manager will also exclude Manchester United defender Harry Maguire from this summer's tournament, a decision that prompted the 33-year-old to express his disappointment publicly, stating he feels "shocked and gutted" by the omission.

Compensating for these high-profile exclusions, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins appears set for inclusion following his instrumental role in Villa's Europa League triumph on Wednesday. Al-Ahli forward Ivan Toney will also join the squad, bringing impressive credentials with 32 goals in 32 appearances in Saudi Arabia's top division this season.

Despite leading English goalscorers in the Premier League alongside Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin with 14 goals, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White faces disappointment as he remains outside Tuchel's final selection.

The exclusion of Manchester City's Foden and Chelsea's Palmer reflects concerns over their inconsistent club form this season. Both versatile attacking players, capable of operating in midfield or forward positions, have struggled to maintain their previously high standards.

Maguire's reaction to his omission was particularly pointed, taking to Instagram to voice his frustration: "I was confident I could have 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 wish the players all the best."

Manchester United teammate Luke Shaw joins Maguire in missing out, despite generating considerable support for his inclusion following an impressive campaign. While Shaw featured in Tuchel's initial 55-man provisional squad, the manager appears to favor Newcastle's Dan Burn and Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly for defensive coverage.

The defensive selections continue to surprise, with Chelsea's Levi Colwill and AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori also excluded. However, Arsenal winger Noni Madueke secures his place, joining Premier League-winning teammates Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, who earns recognition for his exceptional recent form.

Manchester City defender John Stones appears likely to retain his position despite an injury-affected season. Tuchel values Stones' contributions but has monitored the defender's fitness concerns throughout the campaign.

Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton faces disappointment in missing the final cut, while Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo maintains his squad position after successfully returning during recent international friendlies. Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, a consistent presence under Tuchel's management, is expected to continue his international career.

The upcoming World Cup, spanning venues across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, commences on 11 June.

Foden's omission particularly surprises given his 49 England appearances, though his reduced Premier League involvement this season—just 22 starts with seven goals and five assists in 32 appearances—may have influenced the decision.

Palmer's exclusion follows nine goals in 25 Premier League matches during an injury-disrupted campaign for Chelsea, who currently occupy eighth position after an underwhelming season.

Maguire, with 67 England caps and seven international goals, had previously expressed his determination to participate in what he anticipated might be his final World Cup opportunity.

"I think it would be my last World Cup for my country. I've been to two, I missed out on the Euros two years ago through injury, which just hurt a lot really. So I'm desperate to go, whatever role the manager would want me for," he said recently.

"Whether that's starting or whether it's deciding games late on. I still believe, even at my age, I'm arguably one of the best defenders in the world in both boxes. I don't think that's to question really."

England will prepare for the tournament through friendly matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica before beginning their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June. Subsequent group stage fixtures include encounters with Ghana and Panama as England seeks to progress from the opening round.