England manager Thomas Tuchel is set to name his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday morning, with a string of high-profile omissions set to dominate the headlines in a selection that carries significant implications for Ghana’s Group L opponents.
According to multiple reports, Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill have both been left out of the travelling party.
Palmer, who scored a dramatic late equaliser in the Euro 2024 final, has struggled with niggling injuries and inconsistent form this season. Colwill has been limited to only a handful of first-team outings after rupturing his ACL in pre-season, only recently returning to full fitness.
Manchester City’s Phil Foden is another major name expected to miss the cut. The attacking midfielder has started just two Premier League games for his club since mid-February and has struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage.
Tuchel admitted after March friendlies that Foden “struggles to have the full impact” despite being “excellent in camp”.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton is also set to be omitted, while Manchester United’s Harry Maguire has already confirmed he is “shocked and gutted” after being told he will not feature. Luke Shaw and Fikayo Tomori are also expected to miss out.
Despite the high-profile absentees, England’s squad remains formidable. Captain Harry Kane will lead the attack, supported by Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice. Ivan Toney has earned a surprise recall following a stunning goal-scoring season in Saudi Arabia, while Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, and Jordan Henderson are all expected to keep their places.
The dramatic shake-up comes as England prepare to face Ghana, Croatia, and Panama in Group L. For the Black Stars, the omissions may offer a glimpse of an England side in transition, though Tuchel still boasts a squad packed with match-winners capable of going deep into the tournament. Tuchel will officially unveil his final 26-man party on Friday morning.
