England 2026 World Cup Squad: Thomas Tuchel set to axe Phil Foden, Cole Palmer after Harry Maguire snub

England manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly preparing to make a series of blockbuster calls for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with reports suggesting that star attackers Phil Foden and Cole Palmer could miss out on the final squad alongside experienced defender Harry Maguire.According to multiple British media reports on Friday, Tuchel is set to leave out several high-profile names despite their key roles in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.

Manchester City forward Foden and Chelsea playmaker Palmer are reportedly paying the price for underwhelming club seasons, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is also expected to be omitted from the squad.In a surprise move, former Premier League striker Ivan Toney is reportedly set to earn a recall after impressing for Saudi club Al-Ahli.Maguire ‘shocked and gutted’The biggest talking point ahead of Tuchel’s squad announcement has been the omission of Maguire, who confirmed on Thursday that he had been left out of England’s World Cup plans.“I was confident I could’ve 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,” Maguire posted on social media.The 33-year-old defender has been one of England’s most reliable performers in major tournaments over the last decade, helping the Three Lions reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final.

Maguire had returned to the England setup under Tuchel in March after reviving his club career at Manchester United.

Big calls ahead of World CupReports also suggest that Morgan Gibbs-White and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could miss out despite strong Premier League campaigns.Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson is expected to make the cut, possibly ahead of Adam Wharton.Tuchel’s bold selections indicate the German coach is willing to move away from the core group trusted by former manager Gareth Southgate as England chase World Cup glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico.The official 26-man England squad is expected to be announced later on Friday.