England’s omitted XI: The big names who won’t be going to the World Cup

Thomas Tuchel has made some ruthless calls in naming his squad for the World Cup this summer.

The England manager only had 26 places to offer for the tournament, which starts on 11 June, when Mexico face South Africa.

Tough decisions were expected, but some of Tuchel's choices have still been met with surprise.

So who are the England stars who have failed to make the plane for the FIFA World Cup?

In goal, Newcastle United's Nick Pope misses out. Brighton and Hove Albion's Jason Steele will be coming along as a training goalkeeper, but would not be expected to play in the tournament.

Pope, 34, has earned multiple caps for England before but failed to catch Tuchel's eye this season.

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Another notable defensive miss is Harry Maguire, one of the most high-profile omissions.

The 33-year-old said on social media that he was dismayed, writing: "I was confident I could [have] played a major part this summer for my country after the season I've had. I've been left shocked and gutted by the decision.

"I've loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years. I wish the players all the best this summer."

His teammate Luke Shaw, 30, has been a regular for England at recent tournaments but has also been overlooked in favour of Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly, 21.

Other defenders who failed to make the cut were Chelsea's Levi Colwill, 23, who has struggled with injury this season, and Real Madrid's Trent Alexander-Arnold, 27, one of England's biggest stars.

Many felt Alexander-Arnold offered a valuable creative outlet, but it seems Tuchel has been unimpressed with his start to life in Spain.

Possibly the biggest surprise, however, was the omission of Chelsea's Cole Palmer. The 24-year-old scored during England's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. But he faced stiff competition in his position.

Another attacking midfielder who missed out was Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, 26, but it appears Tuchel felt Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, 22, and Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, 23, offered him a sufficient threat instead.

Another significant name to miss out is Manchester City's Phil Foden, 25, despite Tuchel's experimentation with him in recent friendlies.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo, 21, appears to have cost Adam Wharton his place after the Crystal Palace midfielder was left out.

Competition was also too fierce for West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen, 29, whose side face relegation from the Premier League to the Championship on Sunday unless they beat Leeds United - and Tottenham Hotspur lose to Everton FC.

Tuchel praised Bowen for his attitude, but said he favoured Noni Madueke, 24, whose Arsenal side were recently crowned Premier League champions.

Other omissions of note include Newcastle United's Lewis Hall, 21, Everton's James Garner, 25, and Leeds United striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, 29.

Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, 19, and Brighton forward Danny Welbeck, 35, also miss out.

(c) Sky News 2026: England’s omitted XI: The big names who won’t be going to the World Cup