Cole Palmer has reportedly been left out of England’s
2026 World Cup squad after head coach Thomas Tuchel raised concerns about the
Chelsea star’s personality and overall fit with the team’s dressing-room
dynamic.
Palmer was one of the biggest surprise omissions as
England announced their 26-man squad at Wembley on Friday morning. Other
notable absentees include Phil Foden, Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold,
Luke Shaw, Adam Wharton and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Reports suggest Palmer’s exclusion was influenced by
his difficult season at Stamford Bridge, where a persistent groin injury
limited his involvement for parts of the campaign. This season, Palmer recorded
10 goals and three assists, down from the 27 goals and 15 assists he produced
during his breakthrough period at Chelsea two years ago.
However, the story also claims Tuchel placed emphasis
on dressing-room personalities when selecting the squad for the World Cup in
the United States. According to reports, Tuchel felt Palmer “face does not fit”
with the profile of players he wants around the squad.
Tuchel is also said to have similar reservations about
Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden, after an inconsistent season.
Among the players included, Dan Burn and Jordan
Henderson were seen as experienced additions capable of providing leadership in
the squad.
England’s confirmed squad includes:
- Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James
Trafford
- Defenders: Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi,
Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Reece James, Dan
Burn
- Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jordan
Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze
- Attackers: Harry Kane (captain), Ivan Toney, Ollie
Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon
England will open their group stage campaign against
Croatia on June 17, followed by Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27.
After his omission, Harry Maguire said he was shocked
despite believing he had performed strongly for Manchester United this season.
He wished the squad well for the tournament.
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