England World Cup squad: The best XI players left out by Thomas Tuchel including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Adam Wharton

React to this story

As always in the immediate aftermath of a World Cup squad announcement, much of the attention is on the big-name players who missed out.

Tuchel says he picked 'best team' not '26 most talented players'

Video credit: SNTV

There are plenty of them this year, with Thomas Tuchel forced to select 26 players and inevitably leave out some top Premier League talent.

There were surprise inclusions, too - most notably Ivan Toney, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.

The announcement invariably brings with it disappointment for some and delight for others, while fans debate whether the correct calls have been made.

World Cup

Figo blasts 'deceitful' Infantino and calls for FIFA president to resign

a few seconds ago

With that in mind, we had a look at a starting XI of omitted England stars.

GK: Nick Pope

Newcastle United goalkeeper Pope only has 10 England caps, but he has been a reliable backup for the national team since his international debut in 2018.

The 34-year-old has not made the cut this time, though, with Tuchel preferring Manchester City's James Trafford.

Pope is an excellent shot-stopper, of course, but the superior ball-playing ability of Trafford, Dean Henderson and Jordan Pickford perhaps swayed Tuchel.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

It has been clear for some time that Tuchel has concerns about Alexander-Arnold's ability to operate as a right-back in his system.

The 27-year-old was exceptional for Liverpool but has had an up-and-down first season with Real Madrid.

Despite his technical excellence, Tuchel favoured Reece James and Tino Livramento over Alexander-Arnold.

Gerrard ‘surprised’ and ‘disappointed’ by Alexander-Arnold’s England omission

Video credit: TNT Sports

CB: Levi Colwill

Colwill has emerged as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League with Chelsea, but it is no surprise that he will not play at the World Cup after an injury-hit season.

The 23-year-old only returned from an ACL injury earlier this month, making two league appearances and playing in the Emirates FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

CB: Harry Maguire

Despite his many detractors at club level, Manchester United centre-back Maguire has been an England stalwart, a key player in some memorable tournament runs under Gareth Southgate.

The 33-year-old has 66 England caps and is a constant set-piece threat, but Tuchel clearly thinks it is time to move on.

Maguire: Mainoo has ‘been magnificent’ since returning to starting XI

Video credit: TNT Sports

LB: Lewis Hall

Plenty expected Hall to be included in the squad after an impressive couple of years as Newcastle's first-choice left-back.

Instead, Tuchel has opted for City's Nico O'Reilly, with Hall's Newcastle team-mate Dan Burn an option too. Manchester United's Luke Shaw has also been left out.

CM: Adam Wharton

Crystal Palace midfielder Wharton has had another strong season with The Eagles, helping them to the brink of a first European trophy.

The 22-year-old has made 33 Premier League appearances and looks increasingly assured in the top flight, but he will not add to his four England caps at the World Cup.

Wharton magic inspires opening Palace goal - 'How has he squeezed that in?'

Video credit: TNT Sports

CM: Morgan Gibbs-White

Nottingham Forest star Gibbs-White has had an excellent season, despite his team's struggles at the wrong end of the Premier League table.

His 14 goals and four assists have ensured Forest will not be relegated, but that is not quite enough to convince Tuchel.

It is unfortunate for Gibbs-White, who has missed out largely because England are blessed with a plethora of creative midfield talent.

RW: Jarrod Bowen

Another standout performer in a team battling relegation, Bowen has scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in the Premier League this term.

But Tuchel has instead opted for Arsenal's title-winning duo Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke.

CAM: Cole Palmer

Had the World Cup come last summer, Palmer would almost certainly have been on the plane after another superb season for Chelsea.

But the 24-year-old's level has dropped slightly this season, and he is still relatively unproven on the international stage - despite some impressive cameos at Euro 2024.

Voice Notes with Palmer: Questions from Rashford, Ramsay and the food he'll never eat again

Video credit: TNT Sports

LW: Phil Foden

Perhaps the most noteworthy exclusion from the squad, Phil Foden was not so long ago considered England's great hope, a potential game changer at the highest level.

But a difficult season with Manchester City, where he has not always been first choice under Pep Guardiola, means he will have to watch the World Cup at home.

ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin would not have been in the conversation this time last year, having been released by Everton.

He was snapped up by newly-promoted Leeds United in the summer and went on to net 14 Premier League goals as The Whites secured their top-flight status.

The powerful striker has only played 14 times for England, and made his first appearance for five years in a March friendly against Uruguay, but his attributes might have made him a useful option for Tuchel, who instead opted for Ollie Watkins and Toney.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

Serie A

From McFratm to England’s strike force: Which British players will star in Europe’s top leagues?

01/08/2026 at 11:39

World Cup

UEFA confirms intention to boycott World Cup amid Infantino spin-off plan

30/07/2026 at 20:48