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  "path": "/2026/05/22/england-line-opening-world-cup-match-bizarre-squad-confirmed-28478123/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-22T11:36:34.000Z",
  "site": "https://metro.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Football",
    "Sport",
    "Cole Palmer",
    "England men's football team",
    "Harry Maguire",
    "Jude Bellingham",
    "Phil Foden",
    "Trent Alexander-Arnold",
    "World Cup",
    "Thomas Tuchel",
    "England squad",
    "The Three Lions boss has made some huge calls",
    "Tottenham",
    "Sign up now",
    "But judging from the praise Tuchel lavished on the Manchester City star",
    "Palmer’s absence",
    "Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source"
  ],
  "textContent": "The squad has been confirmed – but who makes the starting XI? (Picture: Getty Images)\n\nThomas Tuchel has confirmed his England squad heading to the World Cup this summer – and not everyone is happy.\n\nThe Three Lions boss has made some huge calls with Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire among the most prominent names left out of the 26-man group.\n\nTrent Alexander-Arnold has also been left out with Tottenham full-back Djed Spence selected over the Real Madrid star.\n\nThere have been some confusing decisions to say the least – the absence of Palmer and Foden would suggest Tuchel has favoured players who are in form rather than basing his decisions on previous exploits for their club and country.\n\n##  Love football?\n\nOur seven-day guide to the World Cup is live. 48 teams, 104 games, 1104 players – we've got everything you need to know. Sign up now.\n\nBut that does not explain why Morgan Gibbs-White, who has had an exceptional season at Nottingham Forest, has been left out.\n\nPalmer, Foden and Maguire all featured in the most recent friendlies against Japan and Uruguay, not doing enough to secure their place on the plane.\n\nThe starting XI Tuchel selected for the qualifier against Serbia last November, the game that secured their place in this summer’s competition, was perhaps the clearest indication of how the German sees his best XI.\n\n##  Confirmed England squad for 2026 World Cup\n\n**Goalkeepers:** Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford\n\n**Defenders:** Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livarmento, Nico O'Reilly, Djed Spence, Reece James\n\n**Midfielders:** Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze\n\n**Forwards:** Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon\n\n**England World Cup fixtures**\n\nEngland vs Croatia - _Wednesday 17 June, 9pm_\nEngland vs Ghana - _Tuesday 23 June, 9pm_\nPanama vs England -_Saturday 27 June, 10pm_\n\nAnd all of those who started that night will likely be in the team when England kick off their campaign against Croatia on 17 June.\n\n## England XI to start in World Cup group stages – Metro prediction\n\nJohn Stones has not played a full 90 minutes in the Premier League since August. But judging from the praise Tuchel lavished on the Manchester City star in Friday’s press conference, he will be a starter when fit.\n\nAt right-back, there can be little argument over Reece James’ inclusion with Nico O’Reilly also enjoying a fantastic season at left-back.\n\nBut it is the lack of depth that could be a concern with Luke Shaw and Lewis Hall left at home. Djed Spence offers cover in both roles if called upon with Tuchel highlighting his ‘unique’ qualities in explaining his decision to call upon the Tottenham star.\n\nDeclan Rice and Elliot Anderson with be Tuchel’s first-choice midfield pairing with Kobbie Mainoo’s revival at Manchester United ensuring he is part of the picture. In what appeared to be a straight call between Adam Wharton and Jordan Henderson for that fourth central midfield role, Tuchel opted for experience. James Garner can also perhaps count himself unlucky.\n\nFoden was among those left out (Picture: Getty)\n\nBukayo Saka’s inclusion is guaranteed, as is Harry Kane’s up top. Jude Bellingham has not featured much under Tuchel due to injuries and will be in direct competition with Morgan Rogers for that no10 role.\n\nMarcus Rashford meanwhile has successfully regained his place in the team after his impressive loan spell at Barcelona.\n\n## Cole Palmer absence is a mistake\n\nWhile perhaps not as solid defensively, the England starting XI is formidable and will still be among the best sides chasing glory this summer. But if things don’t go to plan, there is a worrying lack of alternative options at the manager’s disposal.\n\nPalmer certainly had an impact at Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty)\n\nPalmer’s absence could be the biggest stick to beat Tuchel with if things go awry. He is coming to the end of an thoroughly underwhelming season at Chelsea with a troublesome groin injury derailing the first-half of the campaign for him.\n\nBut it was his introduction off the bench in the Euro 2024 final against Spain that offered England hope, finding the net just three minutes after coming on the pitch. That option won’t be there State-side this summer.\n\nComment now Comments \nAdd Metro as a Preferred Source on Google\nAdd as preferred source\n",
  "title": "How England could line up in opening World Cup match with bizarre squad confirmed"
}