Thomas Tuchel is set to name his 26-man England squad on Friday, and the early reports point to a selection built around balance and physicality rather than star names. Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have reportedly been left out, while Luke Shaw, Levi Colwill and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are also set to stay behind. John Stones, Kobbie Mainoo and Ollie Watkins remain in the frame.
Why the squad looks more balanced than glamorous
This feels less like a straight list of the obvious names and more like Tuchel leaning into structure. Palmer and Foden are two of England’s most recognisable attackers, so leaving them out would be a clear message that reputation is not carrying much weight here.
The numbers back up why some of those calls will be debated. Palmer made 25 Premier League appearances for Manchester City and scored 9 Premier League goals, while Foden played 32 league games. Those are not fringe returns, which is why their omission will feel sharper than a routine trim.
Stones is the awkward one in the middle of the conversation. He has started just 4 Premier League games this term, so any inclusion would need a stronger explanation than simply attaching a big name to the squad sheet.
Southgate’s view on selection-day pain
Sir Gareth Southgate offered the other side of the story from inside the job. He said: “They were some of the most horrendous conversations I ever had.” That is the human cost of a squad announcement, and it is why the fallout around Tuchel’s decisions will be so immediate once the list is out.
Southgate also said, “I also will be giving the team space so I'm not doing media this summer, because I think anything I say will be amplified, thrown at Thomas and won't help his job.” He added: “But I've got a ticket lined up for the final, because I've waited 50 years, and if we're at the final, then I want to be there for sure.”
That does not mean England will be there, only that Southgate plans to be in place if they are. For Tuchel, the bigger issue is simpler: his first major England squad is shaping up as a judgement on fit and function, not a reward ceremony for the biggest attacking names.
FAQ
Why are Cole Palmer and Phil Foden being left out of England's World Cup squad?
The reports suggest Thomas Tuchel is prioritising balance and physicality over reputation in his England World Cup squad. Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are reportedly left out, while Luke Shaw, Levi Colwill and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are also set to stay behind. It is not an official announcement yet, but the early direction is clear.
Will John Stones be included in England's World Cup squad?
He could be a surprise inclusion, but the brief does not say he is guaranteed a place. The strongest supporting detail is that Stones has started just four Premier League games this term, so his case is more complicated than a routine selection.
How did Gareth Southgate describe the pressure of dropping England players?
Southgate said dropping players brought some of the most horrendous conversations he ever had. He also said he is not doing media this summer because anything he says could be amplified and thrown at Thomas Tuchel. He added that he has a ticket lined up for the World Cup final after waiting 50 years.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
