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London – Newly appointed England manager Thomas Tuchel has shocked fans by excluding several star players who have long been key figures for the Three Lions in his squad selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

From the total of 26 players named, there is no place for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, or Cole Palmer. Even veteran defender Harry Maguire from Manchester United has been left out by Tuchel.

Interestingly, Tuchel chose to leave behind many experienced names and opted to give opportunities to younger talents, including Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who officially makes the cut for Tuchel’s England squad.

It’s no surprise that Lampung Provincial Secretary Marindo Kurniawan is a fan of the 21-year-old midfielder. Marindo also admires Luke Shaw, but the 31-year-old left-back was not called up for the 2026 World Cup either.

Marindo has long supported Manchester United, which explains his admiration for both Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo.

“My football club has always been MU (Manchester United), and I’m a fan of Kobbie Mainoo and Luke Shaw,” Marindo said during an interview on Friday (29 May 2026).

He also expressed confidence that England will perform strongly in the global tournament held every five years.

“I like England and, God willing, England will be champions,” he added.

Expressing His Frustration

According to Tribunnews.com, Harry Maguire openly vented his disappointment after being left out of the 2026 World Cup squad. The senior Manchester United defender admitted he was shocked and deeply hurt by the decision to exclude him.

The official announcement of England’s squad on Friday (22 May 2026) was full of surprises. Tuchel named 26 players, but big names like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer were left at home.

On the other hand, Ivan Toney, John Stones, and Jordan Henderson retained their spots and are set to travel for the summer tournament.

Maguire’s omission became one of the biggest talking points, especially after he vented his frustration on social media a day before the official announcement, on Thursday (21 May 2026). Tuchel, who replaced Sir Gareth Southgate, has made bold choices in his first major tournament in charge.

Besides Maguire, other regulars such as Luke Shaw, Adam Wharton, and Morgan Gibbs-White also missed out. In attack, Tuchel included Ollie Watkins and, surprisingly, Ivan Toney. The two will join captain Harry Kane up front.

This trio of strikers mirrors England’s lineup from Euro 2024. Watkins, who had been sidelined earlier this year, fought back strongly by scoring 10 goals for Aston Villa.

Toney, meanwhile, benefited from his sharp form in the Saudi Pro League, despite having only played seven minutes under Tuchel prior to the squad announcement.

The young players’ contingent, featuring Djed Spence, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze, will also be on the plane to the tournament. Yet, discussions among fans remain focused less on those selected and more on those left out.

Adding to the drama, details of the squad reportedly leaked online before the official announcement on Friday.

Maguire’s anger on social media was triggered by shock, as he never expected to be dropped, especially with Tuchel already privately informing players of his final choices on Thursday.

Foden and Palmer were among the most notable absentees, but both had been underwhelming for Manchester City and Chelsea, respectively, and faced fierce competition in their positions.

Real Madrid right-back Alexander-Arnold was another big name omitted — a move that was somewhat expected given he hadn’t featured for the national team since the previous summer.

Tino Livramento earned a call-up despite missing the last month due to a thigh issue, while Kobbie Mainoo joins the midfield ranks alongside Brentford’s Jordan Henderson. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, however, was left out.

England will compete in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, facing Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, with matches taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“There have been many phone calls over the past three days. Many tough decisions had to be made. I feel relieved yet excited and ready to compete,” Tuchel told ESPN.

Tuchel added: “Who do we really trust? Who delivers for us? Who builds the team culture, especially since September? Who sets the standards? Who drives the group? Who are the leaders? We rely heavily on those aspects because I believe connection within the team is essential.”

England’s 26-Man Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers

Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders

Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City)

Midfielders

Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)