Thomas Tuchel drops 'big stars' from England's 2026 World Cup squad

Among the biggest surprises are the omissions of Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire.

Tuchel admitted the decisions were extremely difficult, saying: "I love the tough decisions, I respect all of them. To reduce it was difficult, sometimes painfully difficult. Even in the phone calls I felt the emotion."

He added: "We went back to the evidence we had from the camps. That felt we had a bit of fresh air, younger players who played with excitement. We want to recreate that spirit."

There was also a surprise recall for striker Ivan Toney, who returns after limited recent international involvement but impressed with a prolific season abroad.

England captain Harry Kane leads the line, supported by Ollie Watkins and Toney, while midfield includes Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.

There are also calls for younger players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, reflecting Tuchel's push for energy and balance in his squad.

England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June, before facing Ghana and Panama in Group L.

Tuchel said the aim is clear but measured: "The goal is to try to win it, but the focus is on the steps we can influence. Let's play with hunger, with excitement."

England's 2026 World Cup squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Man City).

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), John Stones (Man City), Marc Guehi (Man City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Nico O'Reilly (Man City), Djed Spence (Tottenham), Tino Livramento (Newcastle).

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal).

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Noni Madueke (Arsenal).

READ MORE: 'I've been left shocked and gutted' - Harry Maguire confirms England snub for 2026 World Cup