How England could line up in opening World Cup match with bizarre squad confirmed

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his England squad heading to the World Cup this summer – and not everyone is happy.

The 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.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has also been left out with Tottenham full-back Djed Spence selected over the Real Madrid star.

There 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.

But that does not explain why Morgan Gibbs-White, who has had an exceptional season at Nottingham Forest, has been left out.

Palmer, Foden and Maguire all featured in the most recent friendlies against Japan and Uruguay, not doing enough to secure their place on the plane.

The 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.

And all of those who started that night will likely be in the team when England kick off their campaign against Croatia on 17 June.

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John 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.

At right-back, there can be little argument over Reece James’ inclusion with Nico O’Reilly also enjoying a fantastic season at left-back.

But 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.

Declan 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.

Bukayo 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.

Marcus Rashford meanwhile has successfully regained his place in the team after his impressive loan spell at Barcelona.

Cole Palmer absence is a mistake

While 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.

Palmer’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.

But 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.

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