22/05/2026
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Phil Foden and Cole Palmer miss out after Thomas Tuchel named his 26-man England squad on Friday for this summer's World Cup in North America.
It has already been announced that Manchester United defender Harry Maguire would also be left out, with the 33-year-old saying he is "shocked and gutted" at the decision.
Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is included alongside Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who has scored 32 goals in 32 games in the Saudi Arabian league this season.
Jordan Pickford is still the Number 1 choice for the Number 1 shirt, but there is confirmation that James Garner has not been selected. John Stones gets on the plane despite only playing in only 8 Premier League gams so far this season,
Another former Everton player, Anthony Gordon, is included but Dominic Calvert-Lewin does not make the cut.
The Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
Reader Comments (45)
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Michael Kenrick
2 Posted 21/05/2026 at 21:59:07
2 Posted 21/05/2026 at 21:59:07
This on Twatter:
James Garner has not been included in England’s World Cup squad. [@David_Ornstein] pic.twitter.com/QI2XSyHbOR
— EFC DAILY (@EFCdaily_) May 21, 2026
Paul Griffiths
3 Posted 22/05/2026 at 01:15:18
3 Posted 22/05/2026 at 01:15:18
Anyone else read that Palmer, Foden, and Wharton will not be in the German's World Cup squad, but Hendo will?
And Maguire's mummy is going ballistic on social media.
And Maguire's mummy is going ballistic on social media.
Sean Kearns
4 Posted 22/05/2026 at 01:19:19
4 Posted 22/05/2026 at 01:19:19
Dewsbury-Hall was 1-on-1 with the goalie twice and turned around!! No chance he gets in…
Also, Jimmy doesn't score enough for a box-to-box midfielder. I'm sick of lauding players like Gueye and Garner who run around all day but don't ever bloody score!!
I want to see goals and attacking football. How nice would it be to see us play like Bournemouth or even Brentford. Just one game where we pepper the opposition goal, have shots, win corners etc would be gear. One can dream eh….
Also, Jimmy doesn't score enough for a box-to-box midfielder. I'm sick of lauding players like Gueye and Garner who run around all day but don't ever bloody score!!
I want to see goals and attacking football. How nice would it be to see us play like Bournemouth or even Brentford. Just one game where we pepper the opposition goal, have shots, win corners etc would be gear. One can dream eh….
Mike Gaynes
5 Posted 22/05/2026 at 01:33:41
5 Posted 22/05/2026 at 01:33:41
Paul G, bit startled also to see that Toney will be in the 26 after his Saudi vacation. Still hope we make a bid for him.
Stones in and Garner out? Another wow.
Stones in and Garner out? Another wow.
Don Alexander
6 Posted 22/05/2026 at 02:07:22
6 Posted 22/05/2026 at 02:07:22
Mike, tonight the BBC report, "the final place in the 26-man squad is expected to go to Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly, Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold or Everton midfielder James Garner".
Paul Griffiths
7 Posted 22/05/2026 at 02:28:21
7 Posted 22/05/2026 at 02:28:21
All three of them offer some sort of flexibility Don. I am still staggered that Henderson is in, although I know that I shouldn't be.
I hadn't noticed Toney MG. Third choice. Decent, I think.
I'm also shocked that Gibbs-White is not in the squad, but there's Hendo. The German is picking a controversial squad, to say the least. He says that form is better than reputation. Hendo rarely starts these days and GW has scored six in six, I think.
I hadn't noticed Toney MG. Third choice. Decent, I think.
I'm also shocked that Gibbs-White is not in the squad, but there's Hendo. The German is picking a controversial squad, to say the least. He says that form is better than reputation. Hendo rarely starts these days and GW has scored six in six, I think.
Jim Bennings
8 Posted 22/05/2026 at 05:52:33
8 Posted 22/05/2026 at 05:52:33
England will get past the group but that will be that.
I haven't worked our who they'll play in the first knockout game but it'll likely be someone that has a certain level of quality.
I haven't worked our who they'll play in the first knockout game but it'll likely be someone that has a certain level of quality.
Mark Murphy
9 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:10:42
9 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:10:42
Is that Henderson the aging Kopite midfielder or Henderson the back up goalie to Jordan?
Paul Griffiths
10 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:18:46
10 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:18:46
Jim, given the huge increase in countries they might actually make it to the second knock-out round.
Unbelievable isn't it Mark.
Unbelievable isn't it Mark.
Mark Murphy
11 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:38:16
11 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:38:16
I can't get my head around how Jordan Henderson is even still getting a game in the Premier League, let alone for England. The odd good cameo against mid-table teams is very different to playing against Internationals in a World Cup.
It seems a lifetime ago I saw Jack Rodwell and Henderson play for England U21s at St Mary's. Rodwell was head and shoulders above “Hendo” that day.
It seems a lifetime ago I saw Jack Rodwell and Henderson play for England U21s at St Mary's. Rodwell was head and shoulders above “Hendo” that day.
Paul Griffiths
12 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:40:55
12 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:40:55
He doesn't, Mark, he's nearly always on the bench.
Mark Murphy
13 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:43:12
13 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:43:12
Tell you what though! There'll be much boiling of piss up in the Toon when Pope and Ramsdale are left out and our Mackam stars again!
All those fancy dress TRexs will get a good kicking!
All those fancy dress TRexs will get a good kicking!
Mark Murphy
14 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:58:25
14 Posted 22/05/2026 at 06:58:25
Even more puzzling then, PG.
He must be one hell of a presence in the changing room.
Maybe he brings everyone donuts?
He must be one hell of a presence in the changing room.
Maybe he brings everyone donuts?
Mike Powell
15 Posted 22/05/2026 at 09:41:13
15 Posted 22/05/2026 at 09:41:13
Jordan Henderson in the squad, surely that's a misprint.
How can a player who's past his sell-by date, and sits on the bench most of the season, and when he does come on he passes the ball sideways or backwards
It must be a misprint, either that or the German as lost the plot.
How can a player who's past his sell-by date, and sits on the bench most of the season, and when he does come on he passes the ball sideways or backwards
It must be a misprint, either that or the German as lost the plot.
Andrew Ellams
16 Posted 22/05/2026 at 09:48:49
16 Posted 22/05/2026 at 09:48:49
If the 26 players selected matches what the BBC are predicting, then England will go to the World Cup without an actual left back in the squad.
I've never had so little interest in the World Cup and this isn't going to help that.
I've never had so little interest in the World Cup and this isn't going to help that.
Andrew Grey
17 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:00:48
17 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:00:48
Andrew - 16
Nico O'Reilly?
Nico O'Reilly?
Mick O\\\'Malley
18 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:02:26
18 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:02:26
I know he hasn't had the best of seasons but I'm shocked that Foden hasn't made the 26, the lad can produce bits of magic.
I'dd love him at Everton, very unlikely, I know... but I think he's a cracking player.
I'dd love him at Everton, very unlikely, I know... but I think he's a cracking player.
Paul Griffiths
19 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:07:49
19 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:07:49
Agree, Mick.
An impresario and a perfect sub at 60 minutes.
An impresario and a perfect sub at 60 minutes.
Andrew Merrick
20 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:12:03
20 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:12:03
Henderson, really?
What The Fuck?
What The Fuck?
Andrew Ellams
21 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:13:07
21 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:13:07
Is he a left-back, Andrew, or just somebody Pep plays in a left-backish kind of position?
I get Alexander-Arnold vibes that he belongs in midfield and is never a full-back in a million years.
I get Alexander-Arnold vibes that he belongs in midfield and is never a full-back in a million years.
Andrew Grey
22 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:16:57
22 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:16:57
Andrew, It's hard to tell these days!
He's been playing at left-back a lot recently but does have midfield skills.
He's been playing at left-back a lot recently but does have midfield skills.
Tony Hughes
23 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:21:54
23 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:21:54
A bit surprised that neither Palmer or Foden are going. I appreciate that both haven't had great seasons but they're the type of player who could come on and open up the opposition. Creativity from midfield falling on Rogers and Bellingham to provide it.
Weird that Tuchel seems to think the squad needs Henderson as a daddy like figure in the squad.
Weird that Tuchel seems to think the squad needs Henderson as a daddy like figure in the squad.
Peter Gorman
25 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:37:36
25 Posted 22/05/2026 at 10:37:36
I thought Garner had a good chance of making it because he is versatile but then I saw Wharton getting the chop and figured, oh well.
Disagree with some who call him 'about average', his stats tell a different story.
He does need to improve his card tricks and ability to organise a sing-song though, then he can take the Henderson spot.
Disagree with some who call him 'about average', his stats tell a different story.
He does need to improve his card tricks and ability to organise a sing-song though, then he can take the Henderson spot.
Andrew Ellams
26 Posted 22/05/2026 at 11:01:23
26 Posted 22/05/2026 at 11:01:23
I see Sky News (not even the Sports channel) are running a story that there are no RS players in the squad. Who do they suggest should be in there?
James Marshall
27 Posted 22/05/2026 at 11:49:17
27 Posted 22/05/2026 at 11:49:17
The players I don't think should be going are: Dan Burn, Henderson, and Stones.
I don't rate Burn at all, but he's a giant and Tuchel has said he wants to be strong at set pieces (defending and attacking) so on that basis alone, I get it.
Henderson and Stones likely won't play much, if at all, which begs the question, why pick them? The answer is (seemingly) based around experience and morale. Both players are known to be very vocal and Tuchel has also talked about team spirit and morale being a big deal. This I can also understand, but why do you need so many cheerleaders?
I may be biased, but I would have taken Garner over Henderson because he's a Swiss army knife footballer, and you need a utility player in my view. He's a perfect tournament footballer because he can play anywhere, and fill gaps if required.
That said, if you look at the squad in totality, there is cover in every position, and for that I think Tuchel has overall done a decent job.
Nobody is ever going to agree with the selection in full and I agree with Tuchel's sentiment that he's picked a squad and not just picked the (perceived) best players.
I don't rate Burn at all, but he's a giant and Tuchel has said he wants to be strong at set pieces (defending and attacking) so on that basis alone, I get it.
Henderson and Stones likely won't play much, if at all, which begs the question, why pick them? The answer is (seemingly) based around experience and morale. Both players are known to be very vocal and Tuchel has also talked about team spirit and morale being a big deal. This I can also understand, but why do you need so many cheerleaders?
I may be biased, but I would have taken Garner over Henderson because he's a Swiss army knife footballer, and you need a utility player in my view. He's a perfect tournament footballer because he can play anywhere, and fill gaps if required.
That said, if you look at the squad in totality, there is cover in every position, and for that I think Tuchel has overall done a decent job.
Nobody is ever going to agree with the selection in full and I agree with Tuchel's sentiment that he's picked a squad and not just picked the (perceived) best players.
Harry Diamond
28 Posted 22/05/2026 at 12:14:11
28 Posted 22/05/2026 at 12:14:11
Struggling to understand the reason for not taking Lewis Hall or Luke Shaw.
If O'Reilly gets injured, it's a right-footed left-back or Dan Burn...
If O'Reilly gets injured, it's a right-footed left-back or Dan Burn...
Eric Myles
29 Posted 22/05/2026 at 12:19:03
29 Posted 22/05/2026 at 12:19:03
"Jordan Henderson in the squad, surely that's a miss print!"
No, Mike #15, it's a piss take.
No, Mike #15, it's a piss take.
Christy Ring
30 Posted 22/05/2026 at 12:47:16
30 Posted 22/05/2026 at 12:47:16
I know I'm not English, but how Stones, Henderson, Burn and Toney made the squad is unbelievable. Both Stones and Henderson have been subs most of the season for their clubs. Has Tuchel even watched Toney in a money-oriented Saudi League?
I feel sorry for Garner but our performance and results in the last month didn't help him; however, that doesn't excuse how Henderson got picked.
Eric Myles
32 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:21:35
32 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:21:35
Can anyone tell me what's the time frame of the games in US? Not just England but generally.
I'm assuming they'll be geared towards European times to be watchable??
And do the clocks go back this weekend?
Specifically what times in UK will they be on telly?
I'm assuming they'll be geared towards European times to be watchable??
And do the clocks go back this weekend?
Specifically what times in UK will they be on telly?
Brian Harrison
33 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:31:43
33 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:31:43
Tutchel has made some surprising inclusions as well as leaving out some very good players. As some have already said Henderson, Burn, Stones and Spence... really?
I like Toney but Tutchel hasn't played him at all lately, Stones has only played 270 minutes for MaCity, and I think I would prefer Maguire than Burn or Stones.
Madueke hasn't started many games for Arsenal and hasnt impressed when ha has played. I would have taken Bowen instead of him.
I like Toney but Tutchel hasn't played him at all lately, Stones has only played 270 minutes for MaCity, and I think I would prefer Maguire than Burn or Stones.
Madueke hasn't started many games for Arsenal and hasnt impressed when ha has played. I would have taken Bowen instead of him.
John Keating
34 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:43:23
34 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:43:23
Jordan Henderson!
Surely going as assistant kit man?
Good for nowt else, not even that!
Surely going as assistant kit man?
Good for nowt else, not even that!
Michael Kenrick
35 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:48:08
35 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:48:08
Eric @32,
The UK times for all games (and UK channels) are listed here:
Live World Cup Football on TV
The UK times for all games (and UK channels) are listed here:
Live World Cup Football on TV
Eric Myles
36 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:59:14
36 Posted 22/05/2026 at 14:59:14
Thanks Michael.
I'll be in UK during the WC and although I've no interest in it the missus will want to watch some games. OK with me as it means we'll be in a pub watching.
I'll be in UK during the WC and although I've no interest in it the missus will want to watch some games. OK with me as it means we'll be in a pub watching.
Michael Kenrick
37 Posted 22/05/2026 at 15:03:36
37 Posted 22/05/2026 at 15:03:36
You'll have to stop in when you're passing through Devon, Eric.
Don't be a stranger!
Don't be a stranger!
Eric Myles
38 Posted 22/05/2026 at 15:19:53
38 Posted 22/05/2026 at 15:19:53
Won't be that far South this time Michael.
Liverpool, Stoke, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Liverpool, Stoke, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Tom Bowers
39 Posted 22/05/2026 at 16:43:24
39 Posted 22/05/2026 at 16:43:24
The usual suspects and not too many surprises... but, for the life of me, Jordan Henderson??? Surely James Garner was more worthy than bootlicker Henderson??
Tuchel, like Southgate, getting a fat paycheck for almost nothing.
Only Kane, Pickford and Rice have really proved themselves at England level (that is to say against top level teams).
Tuchel, like Southgate, getting a fat paycheck for almost nothing.
Only Kane, Pickford and Rice have really proved themselves at England level (that is to say against top level teams).
Keith Gleave
40 Posted 22/05/2026 at 16:59:36
40 Posted 22/05/2026 at 16:59:36
I thought Spencer had a broken jaw.
Henderson, really? Quansah... another No.
Henderson, really? Quansah... another No.
Christy Ring
41 Posted 22/05/2026 at 17:54:58
41 Posted 22/05/2026 at 17:54:58
How many games did Madueke play for Arsenal this season?
Tuchel definitely has his favourites.
Tuchel definitely has his favourites.
Rob Hooton
42 Posted 22/05/2026 at 18:16:28
42 Posted 22/05/2026 at 18:16:28
Not sure why they didn’t take Henderson as part of the coaching team or as a mascot, if he’s good for morale?
Si Cooper
44 Posted 23/05/2026 at 14:22:33
44 Posted 23/05/2026 at 14:22:33
Andrew (16), Nico O’Reilly and Djed Spence are both left backs for their clubs. O’Reilly is keeping Rayan Ait-Nouri from getting games.
I thought James Garner might be unlucky this time due to not having been consistent for that long overall, but I’m utterly amazed Jordan Henderson gets in ahead of Wharton who has been getting a lot of praise for a couple of seasons.
Some other surprises in those that have missed out although I can see the merits of the majority of those who are selected. For instance, Burns is a grock but he does bring ample power and aggression to really rattle some other defences so I get his inclusion. Really not sure what Quansah has going for him.
I thought James Garner might be unlucky this time due to not having been consistent for that long overall, but I’m utterly amazed Jordan Henderson gets in ahead of Wharton who has been getting a lot of praise for a couple of seasons.
Some other surprises in those that have missed out although I can see the merits of the majority of those who are selected. For instance, Burns is a grock but he does bring ample power and aggression to really rattle some other defences so I get his inclusion. Really not sure what Quansah has going for him.
Ian Bennett
45 Posted 23/05/2026 at 14:37:39
45 Posted 23/05/2026 at 14:37:39
I'd have taken Hall over Spence.
I don't think Burn, Henderson, Madueke, Mainoo or Eze are good enough or offer enough.
I don't think Burn, Henderson, Madueke, Mainoo or Eze are good enough or offer enough.
Mark Murphy
46 Posted 23/05/2026 at 20:31:23
46 Posted 23/05/2026 at 20:31:23
I'm not looking at this through blue tinted specs...
Jimmy Garner would have helped England be successful in this World Cup. It's nonsense he's been left out.
Jimmy Garner would have helped England be successful in this World Cup. It's nonsense he's been left out.
Martin Scott
47 Posted 23/05/2026 at 21:16:09
47 Posted 23/05/2026 at 21:16:09
Jimmy??.. Nah that buddy buddy shite is for them fckers... James for me..
Tom Bowers
48 Posted 24/05/2026 at 12:03:09
48 Posted 24/05/2026 at 12:03:09
The usual suspects and not too many surprises but for the life of me Jordan Henderson ?????? Surely James Garner was more worthy than bootlicker Henderson??
Tuchel, like Southgate getting a fat paycheck for almost nothing.
Only Kane, Pickford and Rice have really proved themselves at England level (that is to say against top level teams)
Tuchel, like Southgate getting a fat paycheck for almost nothing.
Only Kane, Pickford and Rice have really proved themselves at England level (that is to say against top level teams)
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1 Posted 21/05/2026 at 21:50:37
Maguire not in squad, Toney included??