England manager Thomas Tuchel plans to keep 11 of his biggest names at home as he prepares to announce his squad for this summer’s World Cup finals. The Three Lions head to North America this summer as favorites for glory after reaching two successive European Championship finals under Tuchel’s predecessor, Gareth Southgate.
Expectations will be high for Tuchel’s side as they aim to become the first senior England men’s team to lift a major trophy since their famous 1966 World Cup victory. The Three Lions must first advance through the group stage against Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
But some star players from Europe’s biggest club teams don’t even get to play in the tournament. England’s depth across multiple positions means Tuchel will be left with a number of players heartbroken.
Manchester City star Phil Foden will not be on a plane despite enduring a difficult campaign and making a bit of a comeback recently. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire may have been unlucky not to be selected despite Michael Carrick’s solid performance at Old Trafford, but Tuchel recently admitted the 33-year-old is far down the centre-back pecking order. Left-back Luke Shaw is another United player to miss out, despite having featured in every Premier League game so far.
Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall is another left-back who missed out on selection, while former Chelsea player Fikayo Tomori has failed to impress Tuchel with his performances at AC Milan. Meanwhile, former Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to be sidelined as he has not featured in the squad of late.
Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who could not have been better for his impressive individual campaign with the East Midlands side, will not be heading to America.
Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer was once again a surprise absentee, despite not reaching the same heights he did last season at Stamford Bridge. Another doubtful midfield absentee is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, who has played for United and City.
Jarrod Bowen may deserve a chance given his performances at West Ham United, but the omission in the attacking line is perhaps not that surprising. Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also expected to be absent from the squad.
The Football Association is announcing the England squad through a new app facilitated by Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott.
Tuchel then revealed the selection of his squad, who will head to the United States for a training camp in Florida on June 1, before moving to Kansas City to prepare for group games.
The tournament will begin on June 11th, with Mexico and South Africa facing off in the opening game. England’s first game will be against Croatia on June 17th.
