How an established group of Premier League regulars were overlooked for the World Cup
As England’s 26-man squad step up their preparations on American soil, a number of high-profile names are nursing their disappointment after missing out on the World Cup.
Phil Foden, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold are among those who will be watching proceedings from home, following Thomas Tuchel’s decision to omit the trio. The likes of Harry Maguire, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White and Luke Shaw also didn’t make it as Tuchel announced a bold tournament selection.
Those selected will now turn their attention to impressing in the warm-up fixtures against New Zealand on Saturday and Costa Rica the following Wednesday. Yet it is those who did not make the cut who have generated the most debate. Here is a breakdown of who missed out and why…
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Aaron Ramsdale
In an alternative reality, Ramsdale would be celebrating a title triumph at Arsenal while preparing for World Cup duty with England. However, the 28-year-old’s fortunes have taken a considerable downturn since being displaced by David Raya at the Emirates, suffering relegation with Southampton and subsequently struggling to nail down a regular starting berth during his loan spell at Newcastle.
Harry Maguire
One of the surprising exclusions, particularly considering John Stones’ limited playing time this campaign. However, Tuchel had already suggested he viewed other players higher in the hierarchy. After his and his family’s social media rant, has likely featured in his final international fixture.
Levi Colwill
The Chelsea centre-half was left out after missing the majority of the season with a significant knee problem. Made his comeback in time for the FA Cup final but not early enough to convince Tuchel to include him.
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Fikayo Tomori
The AC Milan defender featured on the preliminary list and was hopeful of securing his place after starting the friendly against Uruguay in March, his first cap since 2023. Nevertheless, Tuchel identified superior England-based alternatives at centre-back.
Lewis Hall
The Newcastle full-back would have featured in many people’s squads after an impressive campaign but not the one that counted most. Spurs’ Djed Spence, the quickest member of the squad who can operate at both right-back and left-back, was selected instead.
Luke Shaw
Hasn’t represented England since the Euro 2024 final but a campaign that saw him start every Premier League match for Manchester United placed him back in the reckoning. In the end, Tuchel prioritised the future rather than the past.
Trevoh Chalobah
Was always destined to face an uphill struggle during a turbulent season at Chelsea. Registered over 40 starts across all competitions, but has been unable to break into Tuchel’s thinking after making his debut against Senegal last summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Omitting the former Liverpool star would have been inconceivable just a few years back, yet a dismal debut campaign at Real Madrid dashed his hopes of heading to North America. He failed to feature in the 35-man squad for the March friendlies, despite appearing on the preliminary 55-man shortlist for the tournament.
Adam Wharton
Can consider himself desperately unfortunate to have been overlooked after an impressive campaign with Crystal Palace. However, Kobbie Mainoo’s resurgence and Tuchel’s faith in Jordan Henderson has afforded him a free summer to potentially engineer a lucrative transfer.
James Garner
Another unfortunate omission. Has never let anyone down when called upon, but England’s abundance of midfield talent ultimately cost him his place.
Conor Gallagher
The midfielder’s progress has plateaued since his switch to Atletico Madrid, where he struggled to nail down a starting berth. A January return to English football with Tottenham was intended to revive his World Cup prospects, but proved insufficient.
Jarrod Bowen
Produced a fine individual campaign, yet West Ham’s woeful form will have done him no favours. He will need a fresh start elsewhere to force his way back into contention.
Phil Foden
Overlooked after a below-par season at Manchester City. Tuchel’s continued uncertainty over his best position did little to strengthen his case.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Yet another player harshly left out after a standout year at Nottingham Forest. Nevertheless, Tuchel’s plethora of attacking midfield options has left him without a seat on the plane.
Cole Palmer
Suffered a season disrupted by injuries. Subsequently, when available, failed to make sufficient impact to break into Tuchel’s thinking, with his groin problem seemingly hampering him.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The Leeds striker can feel aggrieved after an impressive campaign, particularly given Ivan Toney’s inclusion. His patchy fitness history may have worked against him, alongside a lack of ruthlessness in front of goal.
Danny Welbeck
The experienced forward pushed himself into the reckoning with a solid season for Brighton. Featured in Tuchel’s considerations before the German decided to select younger alternatives. The former Arsenal man has probably played his last game for his country.
