UPDATE: World Cup 2026: Foden and Palmer out in a surprising reorganization of the English team
International Report:
International observers are closely monitoring the latest developments as new information continues to emerge.
On Friday, May 22, several notable names were left out of England’s squad for the World Cup, with the surprising absences of Phil Foden and Cole Palmer from Thomas Tuchel’s list of 26 players. There was also no room for Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold or the Manchester United duo of Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in the group that will travel to the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. “I think from day one we were very clear that we were trying to select and form the best possible team, which does not necessarily mean selecting and putting together the 26 most talented players,” Tuchel said. “Teams win championships. It’s as simple as that. And what we’re trying to accomplish this summer can only be accomplished as a team.” England are aiming to win their first men’s title since winning the World Cup in 1966. To display this content from X (Twitter), you must allow audience measurement and advertising cookies. Accept Manage my options Foden was twice named England player of the year with Manchester City just two years ago. Chelsea’s Palmer was one of England’s star players at Euro 2024, where he scored in the final against Spain. However, both players had disappointing seasons with their clubs and ultimately paid the price by not making Tuchel’s squad. Maguire confirmed on Thursday that he would not be going to the tournament, saying he was “shocked and devastated” at not being included. To display this Instagram content, you must allow advertising and audience measurement cookies. Accept Manage my options “I can assure all the fans in the country that we have 26 players fully committed to the training camp, who know their role, who are willing to assume their responsibility both on and off the field, and who are prepared and committed to the team spirit,” Tuchel said. Between established figures and surprises England’s best players – Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice – were all called up. A surprise inclusion was Ivan Toney, who has only played once for his national team since leaving for the Saudi league after Euro 2024. Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo was also called up after his great run in the second half of the season. To display this content from X (Twitter), you must allow audience measurement and advertising cookies. Accept Manage my options Mainoo had emerged as a promising figure at the Euros, but lost his place in the England team after being relegated to the background at United under former coach Rubén Amorim. He returned to the first team when Michael Carrick took over in January and has been a key player in United’s rise to third place in the Premier League, securing a return to the UEFA Champions League. Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, Premier League champions with Arsenal, will play in their first World Cup, and Marcus Rashford – who was left out of Euro 2024 – will participate in another major international tournament after rebuilding his career at Barcelona this season. Unexpected absences Foden has been a regular starter under Tuchel since the German manager took charge of England in January 2025, with his most recent appearances coming during the last international call-up in March. He was a starter in all of England’s games until the final of the last European Championship, which they lost 2-1 to Spain. However, he has rarely started for City since the start of the year as his form has dipped, and was an unused substitute in last week’s FA Cup final victory. England coach Thomas Tuchel speaks at the press conference announcing the country’s selection for the 2026 World Cup. London, May 22, 2026. John Walton/PA via AP – John Walton Palmer, who was named England’s young player of the year in 2024 and inspired Chelsea to triumph in the Club World Cup last year, was considered one of the country’s most promising stars. Like Foden, he has also struggled for consistency this season and has not scored in his last 14 games for club and country. England squad: Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City). Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham), 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), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa). Adapted from its original English version
What Happens Next:
Analysts believe this development may influence future diplomatic, political, or economic discussions internationally.
International media coverage is expected to intensify as more updates become available from official sources.
Our editorial team will continue tracking this story as new reports become available.
Source: This article was originally published by France 24 – Noticias y actualidad internacional en vivo and adapted for our international English-speaking audience.
Read the original article here.