Foden has endured an inconsistent season at Manchester City, starting just 22 Premier League games and scoring seven goals. Palmer’s season was similarly disappointing – 10 goals and three assists for Chelsea, including a run of 14 goalless games for club and country.
Both played key roles in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final but form at club level has cost them dearly.
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The boldest inclusion is Ivan Toney. The 30-year-old has played less than five minutes of international football under Tuchel but scored 32 goals in the Saudi Pro League this season – a return that has earned him a place on the plane to North America.
Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been left out, while Harry Maguire made his feelings clear on social media. “I was confident I could have played a major part this summer after the season I’ve had,” the Manchester United defender posted. “I’ve been left shocked and gutted by the decision.”
Veteran Jordan Henderson has been included while Morgan Gibbs-White, despite a career-best 17 goals this season for Nottingham Forest, has been overlooked again. John Stones keeps his place despite an injury-disrupted campaign at City.
England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June before facing Ghana and Panama in Group B. Tuchel is chasing a first major tournament win for England since 1966.
It’s official 🏴
Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad for this summer’s World Cup is locked in 🔒 pic.twitter.com/aY3ENDkSbY
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 22, 2026
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)
Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento, Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi, John Stones, Nico O’Reilly (all Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)
– AFP
Photo: Visionhaus/Getty Images
