Thomas Tuchel's England squad announcement is expected to be defined by the biggest selection shocks, not the safest picks. The 26-man list will begin at 9.45am BST on Friday, May 22, 2026, after Tuchel sent a 55-man squad to FIFA last week and cut it down, with 29 players left at home. Harry Maguire is the headline omission, while I. Toney is back after 32 goals in 32 matches for Al Ahli.

Why Maguire's omission stands out

Maguire has made his feelings clear. He said: "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."

That reaction is easy to understand. The Manchester United defender made 22 Premier League appearances this season and kept seven clean sheets. Tuchel had already put him effectively sixth in the centre-back pecking order in March, behind Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and John Stones, so the omission is harsh but not random.

Form, fitness and the other big misses

The wider squad picture is built around the same idea. Cole Palmer has 13 goal contributions in 33 appearances across all competitions, but that has not been enough to secure a place. His 25 Premier League appearances suggest fitness has been part of the conversation, not just form. Levi Colwill is out after rupturing his ACL in pre-season training and making only three first-team appearances this season.

If there is a through-line, it is that Tuchel is willing to back current level and availability over reputation. Noni Madueke is expected to be rewarded, while England go into the final cut with several familiar names missing and a high-profile striker returning in Toney. There is a debate to be had about Maguire's exclusion, especially after a season with 22 league starts and seven clean sheets, but the selection logic from Tuchel's side is plain enough.

The squad reveal itself may not land all at once. One report says the 26 names could follow soon after the 9.45am announcement, while another suggests Tuchel may not get through the full list until as late as 11am. Either way, the first major call is already made, and Maguire's absence will be the one that gets picked over first.

FAQ

Will Harry Maguire be in England's World Cup squad?

The brief points the other way. Harry Maguire is described as shocked and gutted after being left out, despite making 22 Premier League appearances and keeping seven clean sheets this season.

Why is Ivan Toney back in the England squad?

Ivan Toney is back after scoring 32 goals in 32 matches for Al Ahli. That form is the clearest reason Tuchel is willing to bring him back into the England picture.

Why were Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill left out of England's squad?

The brief points to selection risk, not one single reason. Cole Palmer has 13 goal contributions in 33 appearances across all competitions, while Levi Colwill ruptured his ACL in pre-season training and has made only three first-team appearances.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 9 outlets. How we work →