JAKARTA - A number of big names are confirmed not to be included in the final squad of the English national team (national team) for the 2026 World Cup. The decision of coach Thomas Tuchel surprised the English football public because it cut out several senior players and young stars ahead of the official announcement of the squad on Thursday, May 21 local time or Friday, May 22 WIB.
Reported by the official website of The Football Association (FA), the players who failed to make the list of 26 English players, including Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, Chelsea star Cole Palmer, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw, to senior defender Harry Maguire.
In contrast, several names managed to secure a place in the final squad, such as Arsenal winger Noni Madueke, Saudi Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, and Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento.
Palmer's poaching was quite surprising after his impressive performance at the 2024 European Cup. At that time, Palmer scored a goal in England's 1-2 defeat to Spain in the final match.
Meanwhile, Foden is still productive with Manchester City this season with 10 goals and seven assists from 49 matches in all competitions. However, his performance is considered not to be as consistent as in previous seasons.
Gibbs-White has also been quite prominent in the midst of Nottingham Forest's less than optimal performance this season. He scored 14 goals and four assists in 36 matches.
On the other hand, Toney again got the trust to enter the squad even though he last appeared for England in June 2025 when facing Senegal. Mainoo's name was also back on the radar after appearing in two England test matches in March 2026, including starting against Japan.
Madueke, who has made 41 appearances for Arsenal this season, remains in the squad despite losing his place to Bukayo Saka following his return from injury.
Meanwhile, Livramento continues to gain confidence after consistently performing with The Three Lions since his debut in the 2024 UEFA Nations League.
In the midst of the announcement, Harry Maguire became one of the players who was most vocal about expressing his disappointment. Through social media, the 33-year-old defender admitted to being hit after being cut from the 2026 World Cup squad.
"I believe I can play a significant role for my country this summer based on the performances I have shown. I am very surprised and disappointed by this decision," Maguire wrote.
Maguire was previously an important part of Gareth Southgate's England team. He helped England reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the 2020 European Cup final.
But in recent years, his position has begun to be displaced by players such as Marc Guéhi and Ezri Konsa.
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