Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been left out of England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in one of the most controversial selection calls ahead of the tournament.

The omission of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has also sparked major reaction across English football. Shortly after the announcement, the centre-back admitted he was “shocked and devastated” by the decision to exclude him from the final 26-man squad.

Both Foden and Palmer endured inconsistent campaigns at club level with Manchester City and Chelsea respectively, ultimately failing to convince the coaching staff ahead of the biggest tournament in world football.

Another surprise absentee is Morgan Gibbs-White. Despite being the highest-scoring English midfielder in the Premier League this season, the Nottingham Forest playmaker was overlooked for selection.

Luke Shaw, who impressed during much of the season for Manchester United, will also miss the World Cup. Defenders Levi Colwill of Chelsea and Fikayo Tomori from AC Milan were likewise excluded from the travelling squad.

England Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Forwards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)