England World Cup squad announcement LIVE
All eyes will be on Wembley Stadium this morning as England manager Thomas Tuchel announces his 26-man squad for the World Cup. The biggest-ever tournament, which will take place across three host nations - USA, Canada and Mexico - and five weeks, begins in less than a month’s time, and the Three Lions will be gunning to end 60 years of hurt.
Tuchel submitted a 55-man long list of names to FIFA last week, which form his provisional squad, and will this morning confirm the 26 which will be on the plane across the pond in a few short weeks. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has already confirmed his “shock” and “disappointment” at being left out, while the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden have also been overlooked.
There is good news for Arsenal’s Noni Madueke, who Standard Sport understands has been selected, but there remains uncertainty over Eberechi Eze’s spot. Levi Colwill is another to be left at home, having only recently returned from a serious knee injury. The show will begin at 9.45am, follow along below with expert insight and analysis from Dom Smith.
England World Cup squad announcement
- England squad in full
- How to watch
Tuchel to speak at 11am BST
10:40 , Oli Gent
The German will face the media in 20 minutes.
Fans will be wanting some explanations...
Thomas Tuchel statement in full
10:35 , Oli Gent
"It was a lot of phone calls over the last three days, of course a lot of thinking, a lot of deciding, a lot of difficult decisions to make.
"So now I’m feeling in between relieved and excited and ready to go because once you get the energy back and once you see the excitement of the players you chose and once the decisions are made it gives you a certain edge. It gives clarity.
"In one week, we're on the plane and I can’t wait to be on the plan and actually be a coach."
“It was difficult phone calls as I respect them as players and personalities. All of them deserved a call-up from this list of 55, and to reduce [to 26] was painfully difficult.
“I felt the emotion in the phone calls. I called all players with us and wanted to show appreciation and respect. A lot deserve to be with us but we went back to the evidence we had in September, October, we had very few changes in November. We had younger players with hunger and excitement, and it was a good mix of young and old that brought the best out of them.
“That is why we relied heavily on the group in those three camps. It was also a positional thing, not taking five No10s and playing them out of position. Who would that help?”
Everton send Garner message
10:33 , Oli Gent
Everton have sent James Garner a consolation message after he was snubbed for the England squad.
Head up, Jimmy. You've shown your quality throughout this season – your time will come. 💙 pic.twitter.com/ukeWQZ0Ae2
— Everton (@Everton) May 22, 2026
Kane reacts
10:31 , Oli Gent
Harry Kane has posted a reaction to his inclusion...
Extremely proud to be going to another World Cup. Never take these moments for granted - it’s what you dream of as a kid. Can’t wait to get out there!! 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/aJx1ThUApN
— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 22, 2026
Big stat!
10:30 , Oli Gent
0 - For the first time since the 1986 World Cup, there will be no Liverpool player in an England squad for a major tournament. Scouse. pic.twitter.com/TgMlIq36p6
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) May 22, 2026
England's confirmed fixtures this summer
10:26 , Oli Gent
Warm-up matches
Saturday, June 6 - vs New Zealand (Tampa, Florida)
Wednesday, June 10 - vs Costa Rica (Orlando, Florida)
World Cup group stage
Wednesday, June 17 - vs Croatia (Dallas, Texas)
Tuesday, June 23 - vs Ghana (Boston, Massachusetts)
Saturday, June 27 - vs Panama (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Dom Smith at Wembley
10:22 , Oli Gent
We've had enough time to get used to the squad now, given that most of the decisions became clear last night as news broke out of Tuchel's choices. And yet still some of it is surprising. The most controversial of the lot is, of course, a return for Ivan Toney, who has spent a year in the international wilderness but whose 32 goals in 32 games for Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League caused a dramatic change of heart in Tuchel at the last.
Not selecting Phil Foden or Trent Alexander-Arnold was not that shocking, but bold calls have been made to overlook Morgan Gibbs-White, Lewis Hall, Adam Wharton and Harry Maguire. The positive is that the England head coach is clearly not afraid to make bold calls. He'll face huge criticism if it all blows back in his face this summer.
The honourary fourth goalkeeper!
10:21 , Oli Gent
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Jason Steele will travel with the squad... but as a goalkeeping coach, rather than in a playing capacity.
Three Young Lions
10:20 , Oli Gent
Tino Livramento, Jarrell Quansah and Elliot Anderson were all part of the under-21 squad that won the Under-21 European Championships last summer.
Now, they’ve been entrusted to step up for the senior side.
Nine major tournament debutants
10:18 , Oli Gent
They are as follows: James Trafford, Tino Livramento, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Elliot Anderson, Noni Madueke, Morgan Rogers
Stat attack
10:17 , Oli Gent
Harry Kane will captain England at a third World Cup, which equals the record set by Billy Wright at 1950, 1954 and 1958.
Jordan Pickford, John Stones and Marcus Rashford also make their third appearances on the world stage, while Jordan Henderson goes one further at his fourth, going level with Sir Bobby Charlton.
The Brentford midfielder will go to his seventh major tournament with his country, equalling Lucy Bronze’s record at European Championships and World Cups.
More words from Tuchel
10:15 , Oli Gent
Fresh from the FA’s official release, this is what the manager has said...
“It is truly exciting and a great privilege to be able to name an England squad for the World Cup.
“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.”
Tuchel's live reaction!
10:13 , Oli Gent
The England boss’ first words after naming his squad...
Ready to go! 💪
— England (@England) May 22, 2026
Thomas Tuchel's live reaction to his #ThreeLions squad on the England app. pic.twitter.com/E9yv9EYqsA
When will the squad join up?
10:11 , Oli Gent
The players will come together on Monday, June 1, ahead of the first warm-up match against New Zealand on Saturday, June 6.
That is excluding the Arsenal and Crystal Palace players, who will be given more time to recover after their Champions League and Conference League finals respectively.
Those that have missed out
10:06 , Oli Gent
Here are the standout names that have not been picked...
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Harry Maguire
- Phil Foden
- Cole Palmer
- Morgan Gibbs-White
- Luke Shaw
- Levi Colwill
- Fikayo Tomori
- Adam Wharton
- Myles Lewis-Skelly
- James Garner
England squad IN FULL
10:03 , Oli Gent
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Reece James, Tino Livramento, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Jarell Quansah, Nico O'Reilly, Dan Burn, Djed Spence
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze
Forwards: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon
The squad is out!
10:02 , Oli Gent
Amd here it is...
Come Together. pic.twitter.com/BAsCH4YCjx
— England (@England) May 22, 2026
What's going on with the full-backs?
10:01 , Oli Gent
Both the left and right sides of defence have been problem areas for the Three Lions in recent years, especially with the abundance of options available to Gareth Southgate, Lee Carsley and now Tuchel, particularly on the right.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be a particularly high-profile omission, with Tino Livramento and Reece James favoured on that side.
On the left, Nico O’Reilly is set to be rewarded for his finde breakthrough campaign at Man City, and Djed Spence offers versatility on both flanks, similar to Livramento.
That means no space for Lewis Hall, who has had a stellar season at Newcastle making the left-back berth his own, or Luke Shaw’s consistency has also been overlooked.
Who is the biggest omission?
09:58 , Oli Gent
There have been a number of bombshell exclusions overnight from Thomas Tuchel as he prepares to announce his full,confirmed squad this morning.
A Chelsea duo will not travel to across the pond, while a few England stalwarts from previous tournaments have been overlooked as well.
But who are the big names that have been left out?
Time ticking down until the announcement...
09:47 , Oli Gent
Who will take the final seats on the plane?
Fan reaction: 'Frankly abysmal'
09:45 , Oli Gent
The reality is you need 15/16 top-class, fully fit, in-form players to go deep in a World Cup and Tuchel probably has that. But while that means the make-up of the rest of the squad doesn’t really matter, it is worrying and frankly abysmal that he has made so many bad picks.
— Bruce Millington (@brucemillington) May 22, 2026
Fan reaction: Brutal...
09:42 , Oli Gent
Honestly who wakes up and says “I think Jarrell Quansah would help England win the World Cup”
— Luke 🇾🇪 (@lukesellers98) May 21, 2026
On Lewis-Skelly...
09:38 , Oli Gent
Myles Lewis-Skelly not expected to get England World Cup call-up. Djed Spence is, though for right back. Tuchel’s missing a trick there. MLS has versatility - left back and midfield - and been part of a PL-winning squad #afc
— Isaan Khan (@IsaanKhan_) May 22, 2026
Fan reaction: 'Embarrassment'
09:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
When you actually think about it, it’s a disgrace that Thomas Tuchel is England manager, a national embarrassment.
— Rory Jennings ⭐ ⭐ (@Chelsearory) May 21, 2026
No Gibbs-White
09:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
A pointed post from Nottingham Forest amid reports Morgan Gibbs-White has not made the England World Cup squad?
MGW’s 25/26 season. 👊 pic.twitter.com/bYioKQ529N
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 21, 2026
Toney recall
09:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
With Ivan Toney expected to earn a surprise recall to the England squad for the World Cup, his record of 32 goals in 32 Saudi Pro League appearances this season is rather impressive.
Plus, he is really good at penalties.
England squad: Who is out?
09:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
It has been widely reported that Newcastle’s Lewis Hall has not made the cut, in arguably the biggest shock. He was many onlookers’ pick to start at left-back. That could leave the door open for Myles Lewis-Skelly, but he faces stiff competition from Spence. Fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is not expected to be called up.
Another huge potential snub is Morgan Gibbs-White, who led Forest’s escape from relegation and will surely be set for a huge move this summer. Also missing out, despite looking nearly nailed on a few months ago, is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Fikayo Tomori had his chance in the March friendlies, but also appears to have not made the cut.
Ready for action!
09:04 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Theo Walcott and Daniel Sturridge are ready to give their expert opinion on the England World Cup squad.
England squad: Who is in?
08:58 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The fate of a remarkable number of England players have been circulating in the media in the hours leading up to Thomas Tuchel’s announcement.
Here’s the lay of the land as we know it, or has been reported...
Standard Sport understands that Noni Madueke is set to earn a call-up to England’s World Cup squad after helping Arsenal to a first Premier League title in 22 years.
He will likely join Arsenal team-mates and England regulars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka in the squad.
Captain Harry Kane will reportedly have Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney as his back-up options in attack, while Marcus Rashford - who has impressed on loan at Barcelona this season - will provide support from out wide. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, a transfer target for Kane’s Bayern Munich, has also reportedly got the nod.
How to watch
08:52 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Live coverage: You can follow all the action from the England squad announcement right here via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Dom Smith at Wembley Stadium!
England pre-World Cup plan
08:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Once the England squad is named and the season is finished, Thomas Tuchel and the players will travel to Florida in early June to complete a pre-World Cup training camp, including two friendly internationals against New Zealand on Saturday, June 6 and Costa Rica four days later.
ONE HOUR TO GO
08:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Right then, we are officially one hour away from the England squad announcement beginning!
Harry Maguire breaks silence
08:41 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Harry Maguire has already reacted to the news that will be not be representing England at the World Cup this summer.
In a social media post, the defender wrote: “I was confident I could of 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.”
I was confident I could of 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.
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) May 21, 2026
I’ve loved nothing more than putting that shirt on and representing my country over the years.
I wish the players, all the… pic.twitter.com/9X7asAkCFF
Chelsea pair OUT
08:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Neither Levi Colwill nor Cole Palmer is expected to be named in England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
While Colwill has impressed since making his return to the pitch, Standard Sport understands he will not join England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup in the United States.
Palmer, meanwhile, has struggled for form this season, thanks in part to niggling injuries which held him back for much of the campaign.
Sam Tabuteau decides
08:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Sam Tabuteau has revealed his wildcard pick in the 26-man World Cup squad.
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Levi Colwill, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Nico O'Reilly, Luke Shaw
Midfield: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Matt Verri decides
08:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Now here is Matt Verri's prediction for the final 26-man England squad:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Reece James, Jarell Quansah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Nico O'Reilly, Lewis Hall
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins
Dom Smith decides
08:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Dom Smith has made his predictions for the final 26-man England squad:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford
Defenders: Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Nico O'Reilly, Lewis Hall, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Harry Maguire
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Garner
Forwards: Bukayo Saka, Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Gibbs-White, Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins
Maguire family 'disgusted'
08:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
With Manchester United defender Harry Maguire set to be left out of the England World Cup squad, it is safe to say his mother, Zoe, is far from pleased with the decision.
A two-word message on social media has spoken volumes...
Absolute disgusted
— Zoe Maguire (@zoemaguires) May 21, 2026
Standard Sport writers have their say
08:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
England are set to name their squad for the 2026 World Cup.
After months of build-up, intense discussion and debate, manager Thomas Tuchel will officially announce his 26-man finals squad on Friday before then holding a press conference at Wembley.
There are plenty of questions set to be answered ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America, where England contest Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
Ahead of Tuchel’s official selection, Standard Sport’s football writers pick their preferred England World Cup squads.
Noni Madueke is IN
08:02 , Alex Young
Standard Sport understands that Noni Madueke is set to earn a call-up to England’s World Cup squad after helping Arsenal to a first Premier League title in 22 years. Despite struggling with fitness this season, Madueke's performances when fit been enough to catch Thomas Tuchel’s eye.
It will be Madueke’s first appearance at a major tournament. He has ten senior England caps to his name thus far in his career, notching a single goal in a 5-0 defeat of Serbia last September and adding a further three assists. He will likely join Arsenal team-mates and England regulars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka in the squad.
When is England's World Cup squad announced?
07:48 , Alex Young
England have announced across their social media accounts that the squad announcement will begin at 9.45am BST today, Friday, May 22, 2026.
However, do not expect all 26 names to be listed out immediately.
With Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott set to provide insight and analysis, there will be some pre-amble ahead of the official announcement.
All times are subject to change, but there is an expectation that the squad will not be confirmed before 10am, and it could even be as late as 11am.
England World Cup squad announcement LIVE
07:42 , Alex Young
Good morning and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of England’s World Cup 2026 squad announcement.
All eyes will be on Wembley Stadium this morning and Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel names the 26 men who will be joining him on the plane across the pond.
Tuchel submitted a 55-man squad list to FIFA last week, which was in effect his provisional squad but the full list of names have never been confirmed, and 29 are set to be left at home.
There have been a few leaks ahead of the official announcement - more on those shortly - and even more confirmed reaction to being snubbed.
We have England reporter Dom Smith at the national stadium. Stick with us for all the build-up.
