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Thomas Tuchel's England squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup was announced on Friday -Credit:Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Here are the 26 names Thomas Tuchel believes can deliver England a second FIFA World Cup title.
England manager Tuchel has revealed his squad for North America this summer - and it features numerous major surprises and stunning exclusions.
Ivan Toney, 30, is among three forwards as the ex-Brentford attacker, currently with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, returns after 12 months away from the international scene.
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Al-Ahli's Ivan Toney has been recalled as one of three forwards included by Tuchel -Credit:Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Tottenham Hotspur fullback Djed Spence represents the eleventh-hour bombshell selection - despite sustaining a broken jaw earlier this week.
Spence, set to feature this weekend wearing a protective face mask, edges out Trent Alexander-Arnold, which potentially signals that Tuchel simply doesn't rate the Real Madrid right-back, as per The Mirror.
Tuchel seems to have opted for Spence due to his flexibility, capable of operating at right and left back, while Reece James and Tino Livramento have endured seasons plagued by injuries.
Nico O'Reilly occupies the left back position, and Dan Burn earns a selection, which perhaps explains Spence's inclusion, as he can provide cover on both flanks.
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Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Nottingham Forest's impressive Morgan Gibbs-White are absent, with Tuchel proving particularly ruthless regarding the No. 10 positions.
Maguire swiftly expressed his disappointment at being overlooked, declaring on social media: "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've loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players, all the best this summer."
Family members were quick to respond, with his mother Zoe saying she was 'absolutely disgusted' while his brother Joe added: "This might possibly be the worst decision I've ever seen in my life. No words."
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Manchester United's Harry Maguire is one of the more controversial absences -Credit:James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Phil Foden has been left out due to his limited game time at Manchester City, going from fan favorite at Euro 2024 to missing the trip to the U.S. entirely.
Cole Palmer has been omitted after struggling with both form and fitness at Chelsea, opening the door for Eberechi Eze following his standout season at Arsenal.
Ollie Watkins is another player rewarded for his performances, capping a remarkable week for the Aston Villa striker after helping his club claim the UEFA Europa League title on Wednesday.
Arsenal's Noni Madueke earned the nod ahead of West Ham United's Jarrod Bowen, while Kobbie Mainoo has also earned a place off the back of his resurgent form at Manchester United.
England 2026 World Cup squad in FULL
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GOALKEEPERS: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Man City) DEFENDERS: Reece James (Chelsea), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Man City), Marc Guehi (Man City), Nico O'Reilly (Man City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham)
MIDFIELDERS: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
FORWARDS: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona - loan from Man Utd)
STRIKERS: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli)
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Manchester City's Phil Foden and Chelsea's Cole Palmer both failed to make the final cut -Credit:Visionhaus/Getty Images
John Cross analysis
Thomas Tuchel has made bold and uncompromising choices in selecting England's World Cup roster.
The Three Lions manager axed prominent figures including Phil Foden, Harry Maguire and Cole Palmer while recalling Ivan Toney following a 12 month absence in the Saudi Pro League. These are significant calls - and substantial risks. However, this is a coach who places no value on reputation and cares little about external opinions.
At 30, Toney appeared nowhere near World Cup contention when he departed Brentford for Al Ahil, receiving just two minutes as a substitute in a friendly against Senegal last June during his most recent international appearance.
Yet 12 months later, Toney has earned selection following 42 goals and 11 assists, forming part of a three-man attacking unit alongside Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins, who also returns from the periphery.
Sentiment and reputation counted for nothing in the cases of Palmer and Foden. The expectation was that one would miss out — yet Tuchel has axed them both. It is extraordinary.
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Andy Dunn analysis
You cannot praise Thomas Tuchel for his managerial track record and straight-talking style and then criticize him for making some gutsy calls. Ivan Toney is an audacious selection, but when it comes to high-pressure late-game scenarios, the Al-Ahli striker is as composed as they come.
Phil Foden and Adam Wharton can consider themselves unfortunate to have missed the cut, but the fact that Harry Maguire has publicly complained about his omission from the squad likely explains exactly why Tuchel has left him out.
He is not one for big egos, Thomas — just look at how he has managed Jude Bellingham — and, contrary to much of the evidence throughout his career, it appears Maguire has developed one.
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