Thomas Tuchel has left out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold from his England World Cup squad, while Jude Bellingham is not guaranteed a starting place this summer. The German manager, tasked with ending 60 years of hurt, made the bold selection calls as he named his 26-man party for the tournament that kicks off on 11 June.
Tuchel, who replaced Gareth Southgate after a series of near misses, said at his unveiling in October 2024 that his aim was “to try and put a second star on the shirt”. But he has been realistic about England’s chances. “We can’t be one of the favourites as we haven’t won it for so long,” Tuchel said this week. “There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites.”
“Tuchel omits Foden, Palmer and Alexander-Arnold from England World Cup squad; Bellingham not guaranteed start; Anderson labelled 'full package'.”
England cruised through qualifying with eight wins from eight, scoring 22 goals and conceding none, but the opposition was hardly taxing. Tuchel has talked about building a brotherhood and implementing the right culture. He has taken Ivan Toney instead of the omitted trio, and expects to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system.
Elliot Anderson, however, is very much in Tuchel’s plans. The Nottingham Forest midfielder, subject of a £100m-plus bid from Manchester City and also chased by Manchester United, is described by Tuchel as the “full package”. Forest want a Premier League record fee for a midfielder in excess of £110m. Despite the transfer tug-of-war, Anderson produced an impressive display in England’s final warm-up win over Costa Rica. “He’s a top player,” Tuchel said. “There’s nothing more to say, he’s the full package. I’m happy that he’s with us on that kind of level and he’s a key player for us. The bid? No comment! He seems not affected.”
Tuchel said he has not spoken to Anderson about the transfer himself, leaving that to assistant coach Anthony Barry. “It should push him because it’s proof of what he’s capable to do and what level he can perform,” Tuchel added. “Hopefully he stays the same – a humble, determined, hungry football player. Absolutely, he is very level-headed. I hope it boosts his confidence … what I see on the training pitch is no distractions, full commitment.”
England open their Group stage against Croatia in Dallas on 17 June, then face Ghana in Boston and Panama in New York/New Jersey. The build-up has not been seamless – performances against Andorra and Senegal last summer drew a negative response – but Tuchel believes his side can compete. The relationship with Bellingham, who could be the player to help lift the trophy, will need careful handling. “This will hopefully be an amazing experience,” Tuchel said after the Costa Rica win.