7 players Thomas Tuchel missed from England’s World Cup squad who might feel a bit unlucky
England manager Thomas Tuchel has stood by his World Cup squad choices, saying he has “specialists” on his team. Still, some players probably feel disappointed after being left out.
On Friday morning, Tuchel revealed his 26-man squad for the summer tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico. There were some big names missing, like Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. On the other hand, there were a few surprises, such as striker Ivan Toney from Al-Ahli.
Toney has only played seven minutes under Tuchel but was picked alongside players like John Stones, Djed Spence, Jordan Henderson, Jarell Quansah, and Noni Madueke. “From the start, we wanted to pick the best team, not just the 26 most talented players,” Tuchel explained at his press conference on Friday.
Unsurprisingly, his choices have sparked plenty of chat on social media, with many fans questioning some missing stars. After thinking it over, here are seven players we believe should have made the trip.
Scott had a great season with Bournemouth and deserved to be in the squad. The 22-year-old midfielder played every Premier League game and helped his team qualify for European football for the first time ever. Scott is solid in defense, calm on the ball, and good at moving forward — skills that would have been a big help for England.
The good news? Scott will join the squad in June as part of the preparation team, along with Rio Ngumoha and Josh King. Tuchel praised Scott in the press conference, saying, “He handled missing out on the first cut really well. His attitude and commitment impressed me, and I’m happy he’s with us now.”
Another midfielder who should feel disappointed is Garner. He’s been Everton’s standout player this season and leads the Premier League in tackles and interceptions. Besides breaking up play, he’s also helped his team with key passes, totaling seven assists and two goals.
After Tuchel called Garner “our mini Valverde” following his debut in March, many expected him to make the World Cup squad, including Wayne Rooney, who said, “I think he’ll be on the plane.” However, Everton’s manager David Moyes wasn’t surprised. He thinks the team’s recent form hurt Garner’s chances.
Gibbs-White’s exclusion puzzled many. He’s scored more league goals this season than any other English player, with 14, and has delivered in tough games against teams like Porto, Tottenham, and Man City. At 26, he’s a proven big-game player who could be very useful to England.
He has twice the goals and assists of other English No. 10s in 2026, including Morgan Rodgers, Jude Bellingham, and Eberechi Eze. But instead of picking Gibbs-White, Tuchel chose other players, which many see as a surprising decision.
Hall’s name also raised eyebrows. In the Champions League, he didn’t let one of the world’s best players, Lamine Yamal, get past him and created the most chances that game. At 21, he’s been shining for Newcastle, giving them both strong defense and an attacking boost.
Several top clubs are interested in Hall, including Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool. His manager Eddie Howe said, “He had a really good and consistent season, playing regularly and showing great physical and technical ability.” Sadly, Hall will watch the World Cup at home while Tottenham’s Djed Spence gets a spot instead.
Maguire spoke out after being dropped. “I was confident I could help this summer, so I was shocked and gutted,” he said. The 33-year-old has been key for Manchester United as they push for Champions League football, and he boasts the highest aerial duel success rate in the Premier League.
With 66 caps and experience from the last two World Cups, Maguire would have brought valuable knowledge to the team. But he didn’t make the cut, with fewer minutes played than Stones, who was selected.
Finally, about Adam Wharton, while Tuchel didn’t give a full explanation for leaving him out, Crystal Palace’s manager Oliver Glasner praised him highly. “Every coach has different ideas, but Adam is amazing at quick passes and breaking lines. He’s one of the best midfielders, not just in England, but worldwide,” Glasner said. Yet, Tuchel didn’t pick him.
Also worth noting: Danny Welbeck played his last international game almost eight years ago. At 35, he’s one of the Premier League’s top scorers with 13 goals this season. Though he was in the initial 55-man squad, Welbeck missed the final cut.
Tuchel chose Ivan Toney from Al-Ahli instead, praising his skills and fitness. But Welbeck recently won Brighton’s Players’ Player of the Season after one of his best years ever. It’s hard not to feel he deserved a spot too.
So, while Tuchel believes in his choices, a few players certainly have good reasons to feel they could have been part of England’s World Cup journey this summer.