Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the 2026 World Cup has confirmed what the manager had been signalling for months: current form and tactical fit would take precedence over reputation, tournament experience, and past service.
The result is a list of omissions that will fuel debate from now until the opening game in North America, and for those weighing up FIFA World Cup odds on England's chances, the absences are as revealing as the inclusions.
Harry Maguire
The most contentious call on the list, and arguably the hardest to defend. Maguire has divided opinion throughout his England career, but the facts of his recent form under Michael Carrick are difficult to ignore.
Since Carrick took charge at Old Trafford in January, Maguire has started every Premier League game, looked commanding in the air and composed in possession, and visibly rediscovered the form that made him one of the first names on Gareth Southgate's teamsheet for years.
His tournament experience is genuine and hard to replace: he has started in knockout football at a World Cup and two European Championships, and his aerial presence at set pieces, both attacking and defending, has repeatedly proven its value. Tuchel has clearly decided he wants to build from the back with a different profile, but leaving out a centre-back in the form of his life is a bold call.
Luke Shaw
Shaw's omission is arguably even more surprising given what he has come through to get here. After years of serious injury setbacks, he has played every Premier League game for Manchester United this season, a remarkable achievement in itself that speaks to his fitness, durability and quality.
His ability to combine defensive solidity with progressive, attacking full-back play gives England a profile on the left that few in the squad can replicate. He has been one of England's most reliable performers at major tournaments in recent memory, contributing directly to some of their best moments at the 2020 Euros, including scoring the goal to put England ahead against Italy.
The timing of this omission, just as he has returned to his best, feels particularly harsh.
Cole Palmer
Palmer's omission can be understood in context, even if it stings. His Chelsea season has been inconsistent, and it is worth acknowledging that some of that inconsistency reflects the chaos surrounding him at Stamford Bridge rather than a straightforward decline in form.
He remains one of the most naturally gifted attacking players England have produced in years, with the ability to manufacture something from nothing in tight international football. Tuchel has clearly decided that reliability and current rhythm matter more than potential brilliance, which is a defensible position.
