Foden, Palmer Face England World Cup Axe
By Ranti Thomas
Manchester City star Phil Foden and Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer are reportedly set to miss out on England’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as manager Thomas Tuchel prepares to announce his final team.
The expected omission of both players has shocked many football fans because Foden and Palmer played major roles for England during recent international tournaments.
Reports from British media claimed Tuchel decided to leave the pair out after disappointing club seasons and concerns over consistency and fitness.
Foden struggled for regular impact at Manchester City this season, while Palmer reportedly battled injury and poor form during parts of Chelsea’s campaign.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is also expected to miss the tournament despite his experience with the national team.
Maguire openly reacted to the reports on social media, saying he was “shocked and gutted” by the decision after believing he could still contribute to the squad.
Luke Shaw, Levi Colwill, Adam Wharton and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are among other players reportedly left out of the final selection.
Meanwhile, several surprise names are expected to make the squad, including Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, who reportedly earned a recall after scoring heavily in Saudi Arabia.
Young stars like Kobbie Mainoo, Noni Madueke and Djed Spence are also believed to have impressed Tuchel enough to secure places in the squad.
England captain Harry Kane is expected to lead the team alongside key players such as Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.
Tuchel’s reported decisions have already divided opinion among supporters and football analysts, with some praising his bold approach while others questioned leaving out experienced players.
Some fans on Reddit defended the exclusions, arguing that both Foden and Palmer failed to maintain top form this season and no longer deserved automatic selection.
Others believe Palmer’s struggles were partly caused by injuries and fatigue after playing continuously for club and country over the last two years.
England will begin their World Cup campaign in North America next month as they chase their first major international trophy since 1966.
The final squad announcement is expected to generate even more debate as Tuchel begins preparations for one of the most important tournaments of his managerial career.