England coach Thomas Tuchel has named strikers Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins as part of his 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Toney has been rewarded for his fine form with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli this season as they lifted the AFC Champions League Elite trophy, while Watkins has impressed with Aston Villa, who recently claimed UEFA Europa League glory to secure another season of Champions League football.
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is included after shining under interim Old Trafford boss Michael Carrick in the latter stages of the season, but there is no place for his experienced Red Devils team-mate Harry Maguire in defence.
Cole Palmer, who inspired Chelsea to FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ glory and was on target in England’s UEFA EURO 2024 final defeat by Spain, has not made the cut after an injury-hampered season which has disrupted his form.
Manchester City attacking midfielder Phil Foden is another to miss out on Tuchel’s final selection, along with Real Madrid right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Tuchel has largely stuck with the group of players who guided England through qualifying with a 100 per cent record, with captain Harry Kane spearheading the Three Lions’ bid for a first World Cup win since 1966.
England’s World Cup 2026 squad
Goalkeepers
Dean Henderson
Jordan Pickford
James Trafford
Defenders
Dan Burn
Marc Guehi
Reece James
Ezri Konsa
Tino Livramento
Nico O’Reilly
Jarell Quansah
Djed Spence
John Stones
Midfielders
Elliott Anderson
Jude Bellingham
Eberechi Eze
Jordan Henderson
Kobbie Mainoo
Declan Rice
Morgan Rogers
Forwards
Anthony Gordon
Harry Kane
Noni Madueke
Marcus Rashford
Bukayo Saka
Ivan Toney
Ollie Watkins
All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.
Tuchel on ‘trust’ with his England World Cup squad
Speaking on the England app, Tuchel said: “It has been a tough process to decide on the nomination, but I have full belief in this group of players. They all deserve their place. The squad and everyone involved with the team will give all we can to make the country proud. We know they are behind us and we hope for a very special summer.
“Everything I know about international football and everything I hear about international football is that it is about chemistry. It is so obvious in this moment that teams win titles.
“A lot of factors play into that nomination process. I love the difficult decisions, and I love the tough decisions – they bring a certain edge. That is what you need to go all the way. It is hard to please. In the end, we have to pick the squad that we as a staff are convinced of and really believe in.
“You feel the love of your coach, and you feel the trust. In the end, it comes down to this -who do we really trust? The connection has to be there. Somehow, it is a bit of a tool to challenge myself. What would I think from the outside? Mostly it is about the energy, connection and trust between me and the players.”
