Thomas Tuchel drops big names from England's World Cup squad

Manchester City’s Phil Foden reacts during the FA Cup semifinal soccer match between Manchester City and Southampton in Manchester, England, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Big names were left out of England’s World Cup squad on Friday, with Phil Foden and Cole Palmer surprise omissions from Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man roster.

There was no place either for Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold or Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in the group headed to the tournament in United States, Canada and Mexico.

“I think from day one, we were very clear that we are trying to select and build the best possible team, which is not necessarily to select and collect 26 most talented players,” Tuchel said. “Teams win championships. It’s as simple as that. And what we are trying to achieve in the summer can only be achieved as a team.”

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer wipes his nose during the English FA Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester City in London, Saturday, May 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Pelham)

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer wipes his nose during the English FA Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester City in London, Saturday, May 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Pelham)

England is trying to win a first men’s title since lifting the World Cup in 1966.

Foden was the double player of the year in England with Manchester City just two years ago. Chelsea’s Palmer was one of England’s star players at the European Championship in 2024, scoring in the final against Spain.