Tuchel drops Foden and Palmer: England’s 26-man World Cup 2026 squad in full — the bold calls explained

Thomas Tuchel has made the most controversial England squad selection in years. Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are both OUT of England’s 26-man World Cup 2026 squad, while Ivan Toney earns a surprise recall and Eberechi Eze takes the No. 10 role. Jude Bellingham is included but is no longer a guaranteed starter. Here’s the full squad, the bold calls explained, and what it means for England’s chances.

The full England World Cup 2026 squad

The bold calls: Foden and Palmer OUT — why?

Phil Foden has been one of England’s most creative players for years, but a difficult Premier League season and Tuchel’s preference for more physically robust midfielders appears to have cost him his place. Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s standout performer, also misses out — a decision that will shock many fans who saw him as England’s creative heartbeat.

In their place, Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) takes the No. 10 role. He’s a Tuchel favourite, known for his direct running and ability to create in tight spaces. Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) has emerged as a Tuchel trust pick — athletic, pressing, and versatile. Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest) completes a physically intense midfield three.

Bellingham: still starts? Or is Morgan Rogers ahead?

This is the biggest tactical question mark heading into the tournament. Tuchel has not committed to Bellingham as a guaranteed starter, with Rogers pushing hard for a place in the XI. The Racing Post give Rogers (8-13) shorter odds to start the Croatia opener than Bellingham (6-5). Tuchel values pressing and positional discipline over individual flair — and Rogers fits that mould perfectly.

That said, Bellingham’s match-winning ability — especially at set pieces and on the big stage — makes him too dangerous to leave out in knockout football. The most likely scenario: Rogers starts the opener, Bellingham comes on and takes the No. 10 role in deeper matches.

Kane: 36 Bundesliga goals, ready to fire at his last World Cup

Harry Kane scored 36 goals in 31 Bundesliga games this season as Bayern Munich won the title. He’s England’s record scorer, captain, and comes in at the peak of his professional powers at 32. Kane is 7-1 to finish as the tournament’s top scorer — his best ever World Cup chances. As Tuchel said after the Japan defeat: “Without Harry Kane, England does not have the same threat. No team in the world does.”

England’s World Cup 2026 opener: vs Croatia, 17 June

England kick off their campaign against Croatia on June 17 at the AT&T Stadium, Dallas. Tuchel’s side are heavy favourites (approx 1.35 to win). Kane is 1-33 to start. Pickford in goal, Eze in the No. 10 role, Saka on the right. A win here is essential — England are expected to progress from Group L, which also includes Ghana and Albania.

Why are Foden and Palmer not in England’s squad?

Tuchel prioritises pressing and physicality. Foden had a poor club season; Palmer doesn’t fit Tuchel’s high-intensity system. Eze gets the No. 10 role instead.

When do England play at the 2026 World Cup?

England open vs Croatia on June 17 in Dallas. Group L includes Croatia, Ghana and Albania.