Who makes the plane for England’s World Cup bid?

Lawrence Ostlere on the dilemmas facing Thomas Tuchel

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Thomas Tuchel names his England squad for the 2026 World Cup today, and we already know some big names will miss out - including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Harry Maguire.

Maguire revealed yesterday afternoon that he has not been named in Tuchel’s final 26. The Manchester United defender, back in the squad in March after a strong run of form, said he is “shocked and gutted” by the decision. And Foden will also be left behind after a difficult season at Manchester City. England dominated Group K in Uefa qualifying to book their place at next summer's World Cup, winning all eight games without conceding a goal. But they disappointed in March's international friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, and now the manager has to finalise his squad to take to USA, Canada and Mexico in June.

Tuchel has made clear that he wants to build a squad with clearly defined roles, and two players for every position on the pitch, plus a third goalkeeper and three versatile outfield players to round out the 26. He sees his midfield comprising a No 6, a No 8 and No 10, and wants each player to know their specific role in the side.

But despite Tuchel's attempts to create clarity, there remain major questions over the fullback positions, the composition of midfield and the plethora of wingers and No 10s to whittle down - with some big names set to miss out.

So who will Tuchel select in his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup? Here is what we know:

Left out

Harry Maguire: A stalwart of England's last two World Cup campaigns, the Manchester United defender has been left out of Tuchel's final squad. The 33-year-old said he was "shocked and gutted" by the decision.

Adam Wharton: The Crystal Palace midfielder played in November's match against Albania as the No 6, but clearly didn't do enough to impress Tuchel and will not be travelling to the World Cup.